The former minister of power and governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Adebayo Adelabu, has called on party members and supporters to stay calm amid uncertainty surrounding the outcome of the party’s governorship primary.
In a statement released on Monday, Adelabu said the APC national headquarters has not authorised any person, group, or committee in Oyo State to announce the result of the primary election.
He urged members of the party to disregard reports circulating on social media and other unofficial platforms claiming to contain the list of successful candidates, noting that only an official announcement from the party leadership in Abuja is valid.
“However, it is important to remind ourselves that the National Headquarters of our party has expressly directed that no individual, group or committee at the state level is authorised to announce the final outcome of the primaries,” he said.
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“Consequently, any purported list of candidates being circulated on social media or through unofficial channels should be treated with utmost caution until the National Leadership of the party makes its official pronouncement.”
Adelabu appealed for patience, urging party faithful to remain law-abiding and avoid being influenced by rumours or premature declarations.
“At this crucial stage, no one should allow himself or herself to be misled by rumours, propaganda or premature victory claims designed to manipulate public perception, create confusion among party faithful and influence ongoing consultations within the party,” he said.
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He also expressed concern over reports that some members were defecting to opposition parties due to speculation around alleged consensus arrangements.
“I am particularly concerned by reports that some of our members, feeling aggrieved by the rumours surrounding the purported consensus arrangements, have begun defecting to opposition parties in protest,” he said.
“Let me state unequivocally that I condemn these defections in their entirety.”
He warned that leaving the APC based on speculation could weaken the party and strengthen political opponents.
“Every committed member of APC has invested time, resources, energy and sacrifices into the growth of this party,” he said.
“It would be unfortunate to abandon that investment based on speculations and unofficial information.”
Adelabu noted that experiences from the 2019 and 2023 elections showed that internal divisions and defections could harm the party’s chances at the polls.
He expressed confidence in the APC national leadership to manage concerns arising from the primary process and ensure fairness.
“I have absolute confidence that the National Leadership of our party possesses the wisdom, experience and institutional capacity to address all concerns arising from the primary process,” he said.
“I am equally confident that appropriate interventions will be made where necessary to ensure justice, fairness and party cohesion.”
Adelabu also urged party leaders, youth groups, women groups, and aspirants to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could deepen divisions within the party.
He cautioned against the spread of unverified claims regarding endorsements or consensus decisions.
“The strength of our party lies in transparency, credibility and respect for due process,” he said.
“No individual or group should engage in activities capable of misleading our members or creating false impressions regarding decisions that have not been officially communicated by the National Headquarters.”
He further called for unity within the APC in Oyo State, stressing the importance of prioritising the party over individual ambitions.
“Elections come and go, but the party remains our common platform for service, development and progressive governance,” he said.
Adelabu also said that concerns raised by members would be addressed through proper party structures, expressing optimism that the APC would emerge stronger.
“Together, we shall overcome our current challenges, emerge stronger and position our great party for victory in the elections ahead,” he said.
Adelabu resigned as minister of power on April 22 to focus on his governorship ambition in Oyo State.