Adelabu 2027 governorship bid remains strong, aide says no amount of blackmail or criticism can stop his ambition in Oyo State
Femi Awogboro, media aide to former Minister of Power and All Progressives Congress governorship aspirant Adebayo Adelabu, has said that no amount of criticism, blackmail or coordinated political attacks will derail his principal’s ambition ahead of the 2027 Oyo State governorship election.
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Speaking in a statement issued in Ibadan on Tuesday, Awogboro described the recent wave of criticism against Adelabu as a familiar political strategy often deployed against rising candidates with growing influence.
He argued that such attacks are a sign of Adelabu’s increasing relevance in the state’s political landscape.
“Those who think they can stop Adelabu through media attacks and sponsored criticisms should learn from history,” Awogboro said, drawing parallels with past political contests in Nigeria.
He referenced President Bola Tinubu’s experience ahead of the 2023 general election, suggesting that sustained criticism did not prevent electoral success.
Awogboro maintained that Adelabu’s growing acceptance across different groups in Oyo State reflects genuine popularity rather than political fabrication.
“The youths support him, women believe in his vision, professionals respect his competence, and grassroots party members recognize his commitment to the progress of Oyo State,” he said.
According to him, the level of support enjoyed by Adelabu is organic and built on years of public service experience, including his tenure in the banking sector, public administration and as Minister of Power.
He added that political opponents were intensifying attacks because they recognise Adelabu as a strong contender in the 2027 race.
“If Adelabu was not a major factor in the political equation of Oyo, nobody would be investing so much energy attacking him,” he stated.
The aide also questioned the timing of the criticisms, suggesting they had increased as political activity towards 2027 gains momentum.
“Why now? Why didn’t these people raise these concerns years ago?” he asked.
Awogboro dismissed suggestions that internal criticism within the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State could weaken Adelabu’s standing, insisting that his support base remains intact and resilient.
He further argued that political dynamics often shift, noting that some current critics could eventually become supporters when electoral realities become clearer.
“Politics is full of surprises. Many of today’s critics will become tomorrow’s supporters,” he said.
A secondary highlight of his remarks was a call for APC members in the state to remain focused and avoid distractions that could weaken the party’s internal cohesion ahead of the election cycle.
Adebayo Adelabu, a former Minister of Power, formally declared his intention in May 2026 to contest the Oyo governorship election on the platform of the APC.
He previously contested the same position twice under the party.
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He has consistently said his renewed ambition is driven by the need for stronger leadership, accelerated development and improved governance outcomes in Oyo State.
