Oyo governor's ally insists: Nothing can derail Adelabu's 2027 bid, despite intense criticism

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Femi Awogboro, the media aide to the former Minister of Power and one of the governorship aspirant of All Progressives Congress in Oyo State, Bayo Adelabu, on Tuesday, declared that no amount of criticism, blackmail or coordinated attacks can diminish growing popularity of Adelabu ahead of 2027 election.

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Awogboro described recent wave of attacks against Adelabu as political strategy often deployed against politicians whose popularity and acceptability continue to rise.

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He made this known in a statement issued in Ibadan, the state capital, on Tuesday, lamenting that recent attacks against Adelabu is not new in politics.

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Awogboro, in a statement, said, “Those who think they can stop Adelabu through media attacks and sponsored criticisms should learn from history. The same tactics were deployed against President Bola Tinubu before the 2023 election. He was abused, insulted, underestimated and attacked from different directions, yet he emerged victorious because the people saw beyond the propaganda.

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“If Adelabu was not a major factor in the political equation of Oyo, nobody would be investing so much energy attacking him. The truth is simple: the louder the attacks become, the more they expose the fears of those who know that Adelabu remains one of the strongest and most formidable political figures in the state today.”

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He said political observers should carefully examine the timing of the criticisms and ask why they have suddenly intensified.

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“Why now? Why didn’t these people raise these concerns years ago? Why is it that as 2027 approaches and the momentum behind Adelabu continues to grow, some individuals suddenly become political activists overnight? Nigerians are wiser than that. Oyo people understand what is happening.”

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He further argued that no serious political analyst can ignore the goodwill and support Adelabu enjoys across various segments of society.

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He stated, “The youths support him, women believe in his vision, professionals respect his competence, and grassroots party members recognize his commitment to the progress of Oyo State. This level of acceptance cannot be manufactured. It has been built over many years of engagement, sacrifice and service.

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“Whether in banking, public administration or as immediate past Minister of Power, Adelabu has demonstrated leadership, innovation and capacity. His achievements and experience are visible for everyone to see. Unfortunately, some people would rather engage in propaganda than debate issues that affect the development of the state.”

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Awogboro dismissed suggestions that the attacks could weaken Adelabu’s political standing within the APC.

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He added, “Those behind these campaigns are wasting their time. The movement behind Adelabu is organic. It is driven by ordinary people who genuinely believe he possesses the vision, competence and character required to move Oyo forward. Such a movement cannot be destroyed by newspaper headlines or social media propaganda.”

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He further stated that many of those currently criticizing Adelabu would eventually return to identify with him when political realities become clearer.

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He said, “Politics is full of surprises. Many of today’s critics will become tomorrow’s supporters. We have seen it happen repeatedly. Once the dust settles and emotions give way to reality, many people will realize that Adelabu remains one of the most prepared and credible leaders for the future of Oyo.”

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Awogboro urged APC members across the state not to allow themselves to be distracted by what he described as deliberate attempts to create confusion within the party.

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The PUNCH reports that Adelabu had, in May, 2026, in Ibadan, formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Oyo on the platform of APC, following his resignation as Minister of Power.

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Adelabu, who has twice been a governorship aspirant under the same party, said his decision to return to the governorship race was driven by the need for “stronger leadership, accelerated development and measurable governance.

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