Former Minister of Power and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Oyo State for the 2027 election, Adebayo Adelabu, on Tuesday distanced himself from the defection of his former aide, Ajiboye Akande, from the APC to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).Akande defected during a rally held in Ibadan on Monday.
In a statement issued by his media office in Ibadan, Adelabu said Akande was no longer his Personal Assistant and no longer had any official, political or representational relationship with him.
Their working relationship ended due to irreconcilable differences in political alignments after Akande chose a different political path.Hundreds of APC supporters from the 33 local government areas of the state defected to the APM at the Boye Nation/JAF Movement Mega Concert led by Akande at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan.
Adelabu emphasised that Akande’s defection, rally, statements and political activities were entirely personal and should not be linked to him. He stressed that Akande could no longer speak for or represent him.
“I remain a member of the APC and have no intention of leaving the party. My disagreement with aspects of the Oyo governorship nomination process is about the process and the need for transparency and legitimacy, and not an excuse to abandon the party,” Adelabu said.
“I will not betray President Bola Tinubu, whom I regard as my political mentor and benefactor, or abandon the party that provided me the opportunity to serve.
“So, I am using this period to distance myself from yesterday’s defection of my former aide, Akande, from the APC to the APM during a rally held in Ibadan.”
He said his support for the President was rooted in belief in due process and the legitimacy of the President’s emergence through a properly conducted primary.
Adelabu added that he was only demanding transparency, documentation and legitimacy in the Oyo governorship primary election.
“Let the results of the exercise be properly released, supported by the relevant signed documents and other verifiable evidence. That, in my view, is the proper foundation for acceptance and collective support.
“My governorship ambition has never been a do-or-die affair. My interest has always been about the opportunity to serve Oyo.“
Besides, I neither idle nor depend on political office for my livelihood. Since leaving public office, I have remained fully engaged in my real estate, hospitality, farming and financial securities businesses.
“I therefore have no need to jump from one political party to another simply to remain relevant.”
Adelabu insisted he remained firmly in the APC, had not defected and had not authorised anyone to defect on his behalf. He noted that “the political activities of Akande are his personal decision and have no connection whatsoever with me.”
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