The media aide to former Minister of Power and All Progressives Congress governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Bayo Adelabu, has dismissed recent criticisms directed at his principal, insisting that political attacks will not derail his preparations for the 2027 governorship election.
Femi Awogboro made the remarks in a statement issued in Ibadan on Tuesday, describing the growing wave of criticism against Adelabu as a familiar political strategy often deployed against influential politicians ahead of major elections.
According to Awogboro, the increasing attention on Adelabu reflects his growing relevance within Oyo State politics and the momentum surrounding his Adelabu 2027 ambition.
“Those who think they can stop Adelabu through media attacks and sponsored criticisms should learn from history. 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,” he said.
Awogboro argued that the volume of criticism directed at Adelabu demonstrates concerns among political opponents about his influence within the state.
“If Adelabu was not a major factor in the political equation of Oyo, nobody would be investing so much energy attacking him. The truth is simple: 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.”
The aide urged political observers to examine the timing of the recent attacks, noting that they have intensified as discussions around the 2027 governorship election gain momentum.
“Why now? Why didn’t these people raise these concerns years ago? Why is it that as 2027 approaches and the momentum behind Adelabu continues to grow, some individuals suddenly become political activists overnight? Nigerians are wiser than that. Oyo people understand what is happening.”
Awogboro further maintained that support for Adelabu cuts across different segments of society, including youths, women, professionals, and grassroots party members.
“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. This level of acceptance cannot be manufactured. It has been built over many years of engagement, sacrifice and service.”
He also pointed to Adelabu’s experience in banking, public administration, and government service as factors that continue to strengthen his political profile.
Awogboro dismissed suggestions that the criticisms could weaken the growing movement behind the Adelabu 2027 ambition, describing it as a grassroots-driven campaign supported by ordinary residents across the state.
“Those behind these campaigns are wasting their time. The movement behind Adelabu is organic. It is driven by ordinary people who genuinely believe he possesses the vision, competence and character required to move Oyo forward. Such a movement cannot be destroyed by newspaper headlines or social media propaganda.”
The aide also predicted that many current critics could eventually become supporters as political alignments evolve ahead of the next election cycle.
The debate comes weeks after Adelabu formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election under the APC following his resignation as Minister of Power. He said his decision was driven by the need for stronger leadership, accelerated development, and measurable governance in Oyo State.
As political activities gradually intensify, Adelabu 2027 ambition is expected to remain a key topic within Oyo’s evolving political landscape.
