Adelabu dismisses defection rumours, reaffirms loyalty to APC
July 24, 2026 9:42 pm
FILE: Adelabu
The immediate past Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has dismissed reports suggesting he is planning to leave the All Progressives Congress for the Allied People’s Movement, insisting that he remains loyal to the ruling party.
Adelabu made the clarification in a statement issued by his media aide, Femi Awogboro, on Friday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The statement followed reports alleging that Adelabu’s personal assistant, Ajiboye Akande, had met with members of the APM to facilitate the former minister’s defection ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Reacting to the claims, Adelabu described the reports as false and unfounded, stressing that neither he nor his aide had any intention of leaving the APC.
“He remains a committed member of the APC and continues to hold the President and National Leader of the party, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in the highest regard as his political mentor,” the statement said.
It added, “Chief Adelabu believes in the party, respects its leadership, and remains committed to the democratic process. Given his well-known decency and integrity in politics, he is always prepared to respect the legitimate decisions of the party’s national leadership.”
The former minister urged members of the public to disregard the speculation, describing it as an attempt to mislead the public and create unnecessary confusion.
“Consequently, the public is urged to disregard the false narrative linking Mr Ajiboye Akande or Chief Adebayo Adelabu to any impending defection to the APM. The rumour is baseless, mischievous, and clearly intended to create confusion where none exists,” the statement added.
PUNCH Online reports that Adelabu was among the aspirants who contested the recent APC governorship primary election in Oyo State but lost to the eventual winner, Senator Sharafadeen Ali.
His latest statement comes amid political realignments and speculation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Olugbenga Ige is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over nine years of professional reporting experience. He is known for his sharp eye for compelling stories and a strong instinct for identifying newsworthy developments. Over the years, Olugbenga has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience, editorial judgment, and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: [email protected]