By Isaac Mission
Supporters of former Minister of Power and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, in Ibadan South East Local Government Area of Oyo State have rejected reports that they are planning to leave the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
The group made its position known during a visit to the Oyo State APC secretariat in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, on Friday.
The supporters described claims that members of the Adelabu Political Group were preparing to join Governor Seyi Makinde’s Allied Peoples Movement (APM) as false and misleading.
They stressed that Adelabu remains a member of the APC and said there was no plan by his supporters in Ibadan South East to defect to another political party.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Yusuf Bankole said the reports circulating on social media were unfounded and politically motivated.
Bankole explained that the delegation decided to visit the party secretariat to publicly clarify its position and reaffirm its commitment to the APC.
He said the group had the backing of prominent party figures, including Chief Wasiu Ajimobi and Hon. Kayode Fagunwa, for the visit.
According to him, the supporters remain committed to the APC and are prepared to work alongside other members to secure victory for the party’s candidates in the 2027 elections.
“We remain firmly rooted in the APC and have no reason to defect to the APM or any other political party,” Bankole stated.
Responding to the delegation, the Oyo State APC chairman, Chief Moses Adeyemo, welcomed the clarification and commended the supporters for coming forward to state their position.
Adeyemo said the party had moved beyond its recently concluded primaries and was now concentrating on reconciliation, strengthening internal unity and mobilising members for the 2027 elections.
He urged APC members across the state to promote peace and cooperation, saying the party must remain focused on its electoral objectives.
The state chairman also expressed confidence that the APC would perform strongly in the 2027 polls, noting that the party would intensify efforts to communicate the achievements and policies of the Renewed Hope administration to voters.
He said the party’s objective was to win the various elective positions in the state during the 2027 elections.
Several APC leaders accompanied the delegation, including Chief Lukman Ayantola, Alhaji Rasheed Agarawu, Catechist John Taiwo Ige, Alhaji Mojeed Agbaje, Mr Sunmbo Oladiti, Mrs Adeniyi Taiwo, Alhaji Ayodele Oseni and Alfa Meta.
Members of the Oyo APC executive committee who received the group included Hon. Fatai Adesina, Barrister Sunday Aborisade, Hon. Tunde Elegbede and Hon. Olawale Sadare.