The Media aide to a former Minister of Power and Oyo State governorship aspirant, Adebayo Adelabu, Femi Awogboro, has said no amount of criticism, blackmail, or coordinated attacks can diminish Adelabu’s growing popularity ahead of the 2027 election.
Awogboro said the recent wave of attacks on Adelabu was a familiar political strategy often deployed against politicians whose popularity and acceptability continued to rise.
He said this in a statement in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Tuesday, adding that the attacks against Adelabu were not new in politics.
“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 added that the scale of the attacks showed Adelabu remained a major factor in Oyo politics.
“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.”
He urged political observers to examine the timing of the criticisms and ask why they had suddenly intensified.
“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 said Adelabu enjoyed support across different segments of society and argued that his acceptance could not be manufactured.
“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 said Adelabu had demonstrated leadership and capacity in banking, public administration and as Minister of Power.
“Whether in banking, public administration or as immediate past Minister of Power, Adelabu has demonstrated leadership, innovation and capacity.
“His achievements and experience are visible for everyone to see.
“Unfortunately, some people would rather engage in propaganda than debate issues that affect the development of the state.”
Awogboro dismissed suggestions that the attacks could weaken Adelabu’s standing within the All Progressives Congress.
“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.”
He added that many of Adelabu’s current critics would eventually return to identify with him when political realities became clearer.
“Politics is full of surprises.
“Many of today’s critics will become tomorrow’s supporters. We have seen it happen repeatedly.
“Once the dust settles and emotions give way to reality, many people will realize that Adelabu remains one of the most prepared and credible leaders for the future of Oyo.”
Awogboro also urged APC members across the state not to be distracted by what he described as deliberate attempts to create confusion within the party.
Adelabu had in May 2026 formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State on the platform of the APC after resigning as Minister of Power.
