The Former Minister of Power and governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Adebayo Adelabu, has called on his supporters to remain calm as the party awaits an official announcement on the outcome of its governorship primary.
In a statement issued on Monday, Adelabu said the APC national headquarters had not authorised any individual, group or committee in Oyo State to declare the results of the exercise.
He urged party members to disregard lists and claims circulating on social media and other unofficial platforms, stressing that only the party’s national leadership in Abuja has the authority to announce the final outcome.
“The National Headquarters of our party has expressly directed that no individual, group or committee at the state level is authorised to announce the final outcome of the primaries,” he said.
“Any purported list of candidates being circulated on social media or through unofficial channels should be treated with utmost caution until the National Leadership of the party makes its official pronouncement.”
Appeals for Patience
Adelabu advised party faithful to remain patient and avoid being influenced by rumours, propaganda or premature declarations of victory.
According to him, such claims are capable of creating confusion among members and interfering with ongoing consultations within the party.
“At this crucial stage, no one should allow himself or herself to be misled by rumours, propaganda or premature victory claims designed to manipulate public perception, create confusion among party faithful and influence ongoing consultations within the party,” he said.
Condemns Defections Over Consensus Rumours
The former minister also expressed concern over reports that some APC members had begun leaving the party due to speculation surrounding alleged consensus arrangements.
He described the defections as unfortunate and warned that abandoning the party based on unverified information would only strengthen political opponents.
“I am particularly concerned by reports that some of our members, feeling aggrieved by the rumours surrounding the purported consensus arrangements, have begun defecting to opposition parties in protest,” he said.
“Let me state unequivocally that I condemn these defections in their entirety.”
Adelabu noted that APC members had invested considerable time, effort and resources in building the party and should not walk away because of speculation.
Cites Lessons From Previous Elections
He said the experiences of the 2019 and 2023 elections demonstrated how internal divisions and avoidable defections could weaken the party’s chances at the polls.
Adelabu expressed confidence that the APC national leadership would address concerns arising from the primary process and take necessary steps to ensure fairness and unity.
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“I have absolute confidence that the National Leadership of our party possesses the wisdom, experience and institutional capacity to address all concerns arising from the primary process,” he said.
“I am equally confident that appropriate interventions will be made where necessary to ensure justice, fairness and party cohesion.”
Calls for Unity
The governorship aspirant urged party leaders, elders, youth groups, women groups, support organisations and fellow aspirants to avoid actions capable of deepening divisions within the APC.
He also warned against spreading unverified reports about endorsements, approvals or predetermined consensus arrangements.
“The strength of our party lies in transparency, credibility and respect for due process,” he said.
“No individual or group should engage in activities capable of misleading our members or creating false impressions regarding decisions that have not been officially communicated by the National Headquarters.”
Adelabu called on APC members across Oyo State to put the party’s interests above personal ambitions, stressing that elections are temporary while the party remains the platform for service and governance.
He assured members that concerns raised during the primary process would be addressed through appropriate party structures.
“Together, we shall overcome our current challenges, emerge stronger and position our great party for victory in the elections ahead,” he said.
Background
Adelabu resigned as Minister of Power on April 22 to focus on his bid for the Oyo governorship seat.
Other APC governorship aspirants in the state include Senator Sharafadeen Alli, who represents Oyo South; former Deputy Governor Rauf Olaniyan; Adewale Kareem; Musbau Asanike; Akeem Agbaje; Oyedele Alao; and Ololade Bakare.
Adelabu contested the 2023 governorship election under the Accord Party but later returned to the APC.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.