Former Minister of Power and All Progressives Congress governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Adebayo Adelabu, has distanced himself from the defection of his former aide, Ajiboye Akande, from the APC to the Allied Peoples Movement.
Akande announced his defection during a rally held at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, on Monday, where hundreds of APC supporters from the 33 local government areas of Oyo State reportedly joined the APM.
In a statement issued by his media office on Tuesday, Adelabu said Akande was no longer his Personal Assistant and had no official, political or representative relationship with him.
He explained that their working relationship ended after disagreements over their political alignments, particularly when Akande chose a different political direction.
Adelabu stressed that he remains a member of the APC and has no plan to leave the party.
He said his disagreements concerning the Oyo governorship primary process were based on his demand for transparency, proper documentation and legitimacy, rather than an intention to abandon the party.
The former minister also reaffirmed his support for President Bola Tinubu, whom he described as his political mentor and benefactor.
Adelabu said Akande’s defection, political activities and statements were personal decisions and should not be linked to him.
He maintained that he had neither defected from the APC nor authorised anyone to leave the party on his behalf.
On the governorship primary, Adelabu called for the results to be officially released alongside signed documents and other verifiable evidence to establish the outcome.
He added that his ambition to govern Oyo State was not a do-or-die affair, saying his primary interest was to have an opportunity to serve the people.
Adelabu also stated that he remains active in his real estate, hospitality, farming and financial securities businesses and therefore does not depend on political office for his livelihood.
He reiterated that the political activities of his former aide had no connection with him.
