The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, over the weekend called on members of the Oyo State All Progressives Congress (APC) Media Team to promote the party’s image unconditionally and refrain from making divisive or destructive comments about aspirants within the party.
Chief Adelabu made the appeal during a meeting with members of the APC Media Team in Oyo State.
The minister emphasised the importance of unity and collective progress, urging media practitioners within the party to use their platforms to strengthen cohesion and project the APC positively at all times.
“Let’s unite all factions and work towards rebuilding peace and unity within the APC,” Adelabu said. “You cannot be in the APC and be praising other political parties. Let’s avoid destroying other aspirants; such actions only deepen divisions within the party. It’s fine to promote your preferred candidate, but we must not do so at the expense of others.”
During the interactive session, the Minister also shared insights into his political journey over the past two years and reaffirmed his aspiration to contest the Oyo State governorship election in 2027.
On the current state of governance in Oyo State, Chief Adelabu criticised the administration of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP), alleging a lack of creativity and innovation.
According to him, there has been no significant development in key sectors such as health, agriculture, education, and the environment.
“Most of the completed road projects were initiated by former Governor Abiola Ajimobi. Nothing groundbreaking has been achieved under the current government,” he stated.
Reflecting on his political trajectory, Adelabu recounted the events leading to his appointment as Minister of Power.
“After the 2019 election, despite my efforts, I was not given a federal appointment as is customary for party candidates. However, I bore no grudge and continued with my work. When my brother, Sunday Dare, was appointed Minister of Youth and Sports Development, I was among the first to congratulate him. I find it surprising that my appointment is now a subject of controversy,” he said.
He also addressed his brief exit from the APC, explaining that he has consistently enjoyed the goodwill of past presidents and party leaders who have recognized his competence and recommended him for various national roles.
“Former President Goodluck Jonathan appointed me as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), while President Muhammadu Buhari retained me in that position and conferred on me the national honour of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR). President Bola Tinubu appointed me Minister of Power, and the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi supported my 2019 governorship ambition. These leaders, in their own ways, recognised my capability and dedication to service,” Adelabu noted.
Chief Adelabu commended President Bola Tinubu for his inclusive leadership and goodwill toward the people of Oyo State through key federal appointments. He emphasized that the President has not endorsed any particular candidate ahead of the next election, assuring party members that the APC will provide a level playing field for all aspirants.
Addressing the party’s loss in the recent Ibadan North election, Adelabu explained that he had pledged to support whichever candidate emerged from the APC primaries.
“Each of the aspirants has a personal relationship with me, and I was ready to support whoever won. In the case of Hon. Olawale Murphy, I only backed him after he emerged as the party’s candidate,” he clarified.
As part of his ongoing empowerment initiatives, the Minister announced a donation of ₦12.5 million to the APC Media Team, which forms part of his larger empowerment programme scheduled to commence in October.
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