Former Minister of Power and a leading governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has dismissed reports linking him with a planned defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), describing the claim as false, malicious and a deliberate attempt to mislead the public.

Adelabu, through his media aide, Femi Awogboro, said there was no truth in the speculation, insisting that he remains a committed member of the APC and has neither contemplated nor initiated discussions on joining any other political party.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Awogboro described the report as a fabrication aimed at tarnishing Adelabu’s image and creating unnecessary political distractions.

According to him, the rumour lacks any factual basis, particularly as the APC’s internal process ahead of the 2027 governorship election has yet to be concluded.
“At no time has Chief Adelabu contemplated, initiated, discussed or authorised any move to the SDP or any other political party,” the statement said.

“It is important to note that the APC gubernatorial primary process has not even been concluded, and no result has been officially declared. Therefore, stories of a purported defection exist only in the imagination of their promoters.”
Awogboro maintained that Adelabu’s political ambition was not driven by desperation, stressing that the former minister had built a distinguished career in both the public and private sectors through competence, integrity and hard work.

He argued that suggestions that Adelabu was seeking political relevance through a hurried defection were both unfounded and insulting, given his record of service and achievements.
The statement further accused the promoters of the rumour of attempting to gain political attention by exploiting Adelabu’s growing popularity and acceptance within the state.

“We urge those behind this false narrative to focus on presenting their own credentials and programmes to the electorate rather than seeking relevance through association with Chief Adelabu’s name,” it added.
Awogboro also called for issue-based politics in Oyo State, warning against the spread of misinformation, propaganda and personal attacks.

He disclosed that Adelabu’s legal team was already reviewing the publication and would not hesitate to take appropriate legal action should the alleged falsehood continue to be circulated.
The media aide urged those responsible for originating and disseminating the report to retract it and tender an unreserved apology.

He reiterated that Adelabu remains focused on his vision for Oyo State and committed to the ideals and democratic processes of the APC.
“Chief Adelabu remains steadfast in his commitment to the APC and will not be distracted by political opportunism, cheap publicity stunts or attention-seeking fabrications,” the statement added.