…says rumour of move to SDP false, misleading, politically motivated
…threatens legal action over ‘malicious’ defection claims
By Adeola Badru
An aide to Adebayo Adelabu, former Minister of Power and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Femi Awogboro, has dismissed reports alleging that the politician is planning to defect to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), describing the claim as “baseless and deliberately misleading”.
Awogboro, speaking on behalf of Adelabu, said the defection rumour was entirely false and existed only in the imagination of those promoting it.
“It is important to note that the APC gubernatorial primary process has not even been concluded, and no result has been officially declared.
“The fabrication of stories about a purported defection lacks any factual basis and is nothing more than a desperate attempt to attract attention by exploiting the name and stature of Chief Adelabu,” he stated.
Awogboro stressed that Chief Adelabu remained a loyal and committed member of the APC, insisting that “no amount of falsehood, propaganda, wishful thinking, or political mischief can alter that reality.”
He further emphasised that Adelabu’s political ambition is not driven by desperation, adding, “Chief Adelabu’s political aspiration has never been a do-or-die venture.“
“Throughout his distinguished career, he has earned strategic positions in both public and private sectors through competence, integrity, and proven capacity.“
“He has had his fair share of top government appointments and therefore has no reason to engage in political desperation,” he said.
The aide accused the authors of the rumour of attempting to “ride on the popularity and growing momentum of Chief Adelabu’s aspiration”, warning that political relevance “cannot be manufactured through association with another person’s name.”
Awogboro called for a more issue-driven political culture in Oyo State and condemned what he described as the deliberate spread of falsehoods.
“Oyo State deserves issue-based politics, not propaganda, distractions, and the deliberate spread of falsehood.“
“The attempt to link Chief Adelabu with a non-existent defection agenda is highly disrespectful and should be condemned by all well-meaning members of the public,” he added.
He also demanded an immediate retraction and an unreserved apology from those responsible for the publication, warning that legal consequences could follow should the claims continue to circulate.
“We hereby advise those responsible to immediately retract the publication. Be advised that our legal team is currently reviewing the matter, and all legal options remain available.“
“Should this falsehood continue to be circulated, appropriate legal action will be taken against all those found responsible,” Awogboro warned.
Reaffirming Adelabu’s commitment to both the APC and the development of Oyo State, Awogboro said the governorship hopeful remained focused on his vision for the state and will not be distracted by political mischief.
“Chief Adelabu remains focused on his vision for Oyo State, committed to the ideals and processes of the APC, and determined to continue engaging the people on issues that matter to their future. He will not be distracted by cheap publicity stunts or political opportunism,“ he said.
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