Former Minister of Power and APC governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Adebayo Adelabu, has dismissed reports suggesting that he plans to defect to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), describing the claims as false, baseless and deliberately misleading.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Comrade Femi Awogboro, Adelabu maintained that he remains a loyal member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and has neither considered nor initiated discussions about joining any other political party. He stressed that the reports exist only in the imagination of those promoting them.
The statement noted that the APC governorship primary process for the 2027 election has not been concluded and no official outcome has been declared. According to Adelabu’s camp, any speculation about a defection at this stage lacks factual foundation and appears designed to attract attention by exploiting his name and political profile.
Adelabu’s team argued that his political ambition has never been driven by desperation, describing him as a public servant and administrator who has attained several leadership positions through competence, diligence and integrity. The statement added that he has no reason to pursue relevance through what it called an “imaginary political defection.”
The former minister’s camp also criticised those behind the rumours, urging them to focus on presenting their own credentials to the electorate rather than seeking political relevance through association with Adelabu. It described the reports as propaganda intended to create a false political narrative.
According to the statement, Oyo State deserves issue-based politics centred on governance and development rather than misinformation and political distractions. Adelabu’s supporters insisted that linking him to a non-existent defection agenda is disrespectful and aimed solely at generating media attention.
The statement concluded by demanding an immediate retraction and apology from those responsible for circulating the reports. It added that Adelabu’s legal team is reviewing the matter and may take legal action against individuals or groups found to be spreading what it described as defamatory claims. Meanwhile, Adelabu said he remains committed to the APC and focused on his vision for Oyo State ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
