Adelabu Denies Speculation of Switching Parties, Reiterates Commitment to APC

Adebayo Adelabu, the former Minister of Power and a 2027 governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State, has refuted claims of a planned defection to the Social Democratic Party, labeling them as entirely false and unfounded.

According to Femi Awogboro, Adelabu's media aide, the former minister has not considered nor authorized any move to the SDP or any other political party, as stated in a release on Wednesday.

The reaction came on the heels of a statement from the media office of Saheed Oladele, an SDP governorship hopeful, warning Adelabu against seeking the party's ticket ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

Oladele had cautioned Adelabu against allegedly attempting to "hijack the governorship ticket of the SDP through the backdoor," a claim that Awogboro described as a fabrication with no basis in reality.

Awogboro emphasized that the APC gubernatorial primary process had not been concluded, and no result had been officially declared, rendering the claims of a defection completely unfounded.

The fabrication of stories about a purported defection, Awogboro said, was merely a desperate attempt to attract public attention by exploiting Adelabu's name and stature.

Linking Adelabu to a non-existent defection agenda was deemed unfair and politically motivated by Awogboro, who viewed it as a calculated effort to generate media attention and create an artificial political trend.

Adelabu remains a committed member of the APC, according to Awogboro, and is not driven by political desperation, having had his fair share of top government appointments and leadership responsibilities.

Awogboro found it insulting and ridiculous to suggest that a personality of Adelabu's standing would be seeking relevance through a hurried and imaginary political defection, which not only insults his person but also betrays a poor understanding of the political realities in Oyo State.

The aide urged those behind the reports to desist from spreading false narratives and instead focus on promoting their own political aspirations, rather than attempting to ride on Adelabu's popularity and growing momentum.

Awogboro demanded a retraction and apology from those responsible for the publication, warning that legal action could follow, as the Adelabu media team was reviewing the development and would not hesitate to take legal steps against those promoting defamatory claims.

Adelabu remains focused on his vision for Oyo State, committed to the ideals and processes of the APC, and determined to continue engaging the people on issues that matter to their future, and will not be distracted by cheap publicity stunts or attention-seeking fabrications, Awogboro added.