PRESS STATEMENT

Our attention has been drawn to attempts to associate the recent defection of Mr. Ajiboye Akande from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), and the rally he led on Monday, with Chief Adebayo Adelabu.

For the avoidance of doubt, Mr. Ajiboye Akande is no longer the Personal Assistant to Chief Adebayo Adelabu and has ceased to have any official, political or representational relationship with him. Their working relationship ended following irreconcilable differences in their political alignments, particularly after Mr. Akande chose a political direction contrary to that of Chief Adelabu.

Accordingly, Mr. Akande’s defection, rally, statements and political activities are entirely personal to him and must not be attributed to Chief Adelabu. He neither speaks for nor represents Chief Adelabu. Chief Adelabu has repeatedly and unequivocally stated that he remains a member of the APC and has no intention of leaving the party. His disagreement with aspects of the Oyo State governorship nomination process is about the process and the need for transparency and legitimacy, not an excuse to abandon the party.

He has also consistently maintained that he would not betray President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he regards as his political mentor and benefactor, or abandon the party that provided him the opportunity to serve. His support for the President is based not merely on personal loyalty, but also on his belief in due process and the legitimacy of the President’s emergence through a properly conducted and documented primary process.

Chief Adelabu has simply asked that the same principle of ‘transparency, documentation and legitimacy’ be applied to the Oyo State governorship primary: let the results of the exercise be properly released, supported by the relevant signed documents and other verifiable evidence. That, in his view, is the proper foundation for acceptance and collective support.

His governorship ambition has never been a “do-or-die” affair. His interest has always been about the opportunity to serve Oyo State. Besides, Chief Adelabu is neither idle nor dependent on political office for his livelihood. Since leaving public office, he has remained fully engaged in his ‘real estate, hospitality, farming and financial securities businesses.’ He therefore has no need to jump from one political party to another simply to remain relevant.”For the avoidance of any further doubt, Chief Adebayo Adelabu remains firmly in the APC. He has neither defected nor authorised anyone to defect on his behalf. The political activities of Mr. Ajiboye Akande are his personal decision and have no connection whatsoever with Chief Adelabu.”

Signed:

Media Office of Chief Adebayo Adelabu