As political activities ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State begin to gather momentum, supporters of former Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu, have dismissed recent criticisms against him, insisting that coordinated attacks will not weaken his growing influence within the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Femi Awogboro, media aide to Adelabu, made the assertion in a statement issued in Ibadan on Tuesday, describing the recent wave of criticisms directed at the former minister as a familiar political tactic often deployed against politicians considered strong contenders ahead of major elections.
Awogboro argued that the increasing attacks on Adelabu were, in fact, evidence of his growing relevance in Oyo politics and reflected concerns among political opponents over his rising popularity across the state.
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“Those who think they can stop Adelabu through media attacks and sponsored criticisms should learn from history,” Awogboro said.
“The same tactics were deployed against President Bola Tinubu before the 2023 election. He was abused, insulted, underestimated and attacked from different directions, yet he emerged victorious because the people saw beyond the propaganda.”
According to him, if Adelabu were not a major political force, opponents would not devote significant attention to criticizing him.
“The louder the attacks become, the more they expose the fears of those who know that Adelabu remains one of the strongest and most formidable political figures in the state today,” he added.
The statement comes barely weeks after Adelabu formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election on the platform of the APC following his resignation as Minister of Power.
The former minister, who previously contested the governorship seat on two occasions, said his renewed ambition was driven by a desire to provide stronger leadership, accelerate development and deliver measurable governance outcomes for residents of Oyo State.
Awogboro urged political observers to examine the timing of recent criticisms against Adelabu, questioning why the attacks appeared to have intensified as preparations for the next election cycle gain traction.
He also highlighted what he described as Adelabu’s broad support base among youths, women, professionals and grassroots APC members, insisting that such acceptance was built through years of political engagement and public service.
Pointing to Adelabu’s experience in banking, public administration and public office, Awogboro maintained that the former minister possesses the competence and leadership qualities required to move Oyo State forward.
He dismissed suggestions that recent attacks could weaken Adelabu’s position within the APC, describing the support behind him as genuine and people-driven.
Political observers say the race for Oyo Government House is already beginning to take shape as major political actors prepare for what is expected to be a highly competitive 2027 election cycle.
With consultations intensifying across party structures and political blocs, the coming months are expected to define alliances, rivalries and strategies that could shape the future of Oyo politics.
