Former Minister of Power and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Adebayo Adelabu, has distanced himself from the defection of his former aide, Ajiboye Akande, to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), insisting that the move was Akande’s personal decision.

Akande reportedly led APC supporters from the 33 local government areas of Oyo State to the APM during the Boye Nation/JAF Movement Mega Concert held at Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, on Monday.

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In a statement issued by his media office on Tuesday, Adelabu said Akande no longer served as his personal assistant and that their working relationship had ended following disagreements, particularly over Akande’s decision to join the APM. He added that he was neither consulted about the defection nor connected to the political comments made at the event.

The former minister reaffirmed his membership of the APC, declaring that he had no intention of leaving the ruling party. Adelabu also pledged continued loyalty to President Bola Tinubu, whom he described as his political mentor and benefactor, despite his reservations about aspects of the APC governorship nomination process in Oyo State.

Adelabu maintained that his concerns were about transparency and legitimacy, not an excuse to abandon the party. He called on the APC to publish the official results of the Oyo governorship nomination exercise, supported by signed documents and other verifiable evidence, saying such disclosure would provide a proper basis for acceptance and collective support.

He further said his governorship ambition was not a “do-or-die affair” and that he was not dependent on political office for his livelihood. Adelabu noted that he had remained active in his real estate, hospitality, farming and financial securities businesses since leaving public office, adding that he had no need to move between political parties to remain relevant.