Adelabu Distances Self From Ex-Aide’s Defection to APM

Former Minister of Power and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Adebayo Adelabu, has distanced himself from the defection of his former aide, Ajiboye Akande, to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).

Adelabu said Akande was no longer his Personal Assistant and had no official, political or representational relationship with him.

He spoke after Akande and members of the Boye Nation, in collaboration with the JAF Movement, unveiled Governor Seyi Makinde and Abimbola Adekanmbi as the APM’s presidential and governorship candidates in Ibadan.

In a statement issued by his media office, Adelabu said his relationship with Akande ended after irreconcilable differences over their political alignments.

He stressed that Akande’s decision to join another party was personal and had no connection with him.

Adelabu also reaffirmed his membership of the APC, despite his disagreement with aspects of the party’s Oyo governorship nomination process.

He said his concerns centred on transparency, documentation and legitimacy in the conduct and declaration of the primary.

“I remain a member of APC and have no intention of leaving the party,” Adelabu said.

He also declared his continued support for President Bola Tinubu, whom he described as his political mentor and benefactor.

According to him, his support for the President extends beyond personal loyalty to a belief in due process and the legitimacy of Tinubu’s emergence through a properly conducted primary.

Adelabu said he had only demanded that the outcome of the Oyo governorship primary be properly released and backed by signed documents and other verifiable evidence.

He argued that such documentation would provide a credible basis for acceptance and collective support.

The former minister also said his governorship ambition was not a do-or-die affair, stressing that his interest was to serve the people of Oyo State.

He added that he remained active in his real estate, hospitality, farming and financial securities businesses after leaving public office.

Adelabu said he therefore had no reason to move between political parties simply to remain politically relevant.

He reiterated that he neither defected from the APC nor authorised anyone to defect on his behalf.

“Political activities of Akande are his personal decision and have no connection whatsoever with me,” he said.