Femi Awogboro, an aide to the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has dismissed reports suggesting that senior leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) asked the minister to shelve his 2027 governorship ambition in Oyo State.
Awogboro described the reports as “sponsored” and said they were pushed by individuals threatened by Adelabu’s rising profile within the party and across Oyo’s political space.¹
Denial of Purported Advice from Akande, Osoba
The aide specifically rejected claims that former governors Adebisi Akande and Olusegun Osoba told Adelabu to step down from the 2027 race. According to him, both elder statesmen remain firm backers and political mentors to the minister.
“Chief Akande and Chief Osoba have strong confidence in Adelabu’s ability to sustain progressive values in Oyo State. They have consistently supported and encouraged him since he left the Central Bank of Nigeria to pursue politics,” Awogboro said.²
No Lagos Meeting Held, Aide Says
He also debunked allegations that APC South West leaders held a strategy session with Adelabu in Lagos to discuss his ambition and its possible effect on party unity and President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid. Awogboro maintained that no such meeting took place.³
Adelabu’s Support Base
Reaffirming the minister’s political strength, the aide said Adelabu enjoys widespread support across the six geopolitical zones of Oyo State. He pointed to Adelabu’s record as a businessman, administrator, and politician as factors driving his acceptance among voters.
“Adelabu has impacted many lives positively. His support for youths, widows, and the less privileged across the state cannot be overstated. Despite efforts by some people to discredit him, he keeps gaining acceptance because of the affection people have for him,” he added.
Warning to Detractors, Call for Media Diligence
Awogboro cautioned those behind what he called a misinformation campaign to stop, stressing that no amount of character attacks would make the minister abandon his governorship aspiration.
He urged media organisations to maintain professionalism by verifying the credibility of reports before publishing. He also asked the public to continue backing Adelabu’s political ambition.
Confidence in 2027 Prospects
Expressing confidence in his principal’s chances, Awogboro said the minister remains committed to fulfilling his promises if elected governor of Oyo State.⁴
“Adelabu is focused on service. He will not be distracted by sponsored stories. His commitment to Oyo State and to the progressive agenda is total,” the aide concluded.
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