2027: No amount of blackmail can stop Adelabu’s destiny as Oyo APC’s guber choice—Awogboro fires critics

The media aide to the immediate past minister of Power, and All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial aspirant in 2027 election in Oyo state, Adebayo Adelabu, Femi Awogboro, has declared that no amount of criticism, blackmail or coordinated attacks can diminish growing popularity of his boss ahead of the 2027 election.

Awogboro described the recent wave of attacks against Adelabu as a political strategy often deployed against politicians whose popularity and acceptability continue to rise.

Speaking with journalists, Awogboro stated that recent coordinated attacks against Adelabu are not new in politics.

According to him, “Those who think they can stop Chief Adebayo Adelabu through media attacks and sponsored criticisms should learn from history. The same tactics were deployed against President Bola Ahmed 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.”

Awogboro maintained that the increasing attacks on Adelabu have only confirmed his growing relevance within the All Progressives Congress and among the people of Oyo State.

“If Adelabu was not a major factor in the political equation of Oyo State, nobody would be investing so much energy attacking him,” he stated. 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.”

Awogboro said political observers should carefully examine the timing of the criticisms and ask why they have suddenly intensified.

“Why now?” he asked. “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 argued that no serious political analyst can ignore the goodwill and support Adelabu enjoys across various segments of society.

“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.”

The APC stalwart insisted that Chief Adelabu’s public record remains one of the strongest among aspirants likely to participate in the 2027 governorship race.

“Whether in banking, public administration, or as the 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 Oyo State.”

Awogboro dismissed suggestions that the attacks could weaken Adelabu’s political standing within the APC.

“Those behind these campaigns are wasting their time,” he said. “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 State forward. Such a movement cannot be destroyed by newspaper headlines or social media propaganda.”

He further stated that many of those currently criticizing Adelabu would eventually return to identify with him when political realities become clearer.

“Politics is full of surprises,” Awogboro noted. “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 Chief Adelabu remains one of the most prepared and credible leaders for the future of Oyo State.”

Awogboro urged APC members across the state not to allow themselves to be distracted by what he described as deliberate attempts to create confusion within the party.

“Our supporters should remain focused and peaceful. They should not descend into unnecessary exchanges with critics. The people of Oyo State are intelligent enough to separate genuine leadership from political manipulation. The truth will always prevail over propaganda.”

Reacting to alleged antipartism by Adelabu, Awogboro stated that Adelabu, a leading gubernatorial aspirant of the party, who is about to become candidate of the party can not engage in anti-party activities.

Awogboro described Adelabu as progressive to the core who always has the interests of the party and people of the state at heart.

He warned rumor mongers to desist from the cheap blackmail, saying Adelabu’s mandate is an ordained mandate from God.

Expressing confidence in the future of Adelabu’s aspiration, Awogboro said the enthusiasm being witnessed across the state reflects the desire of many citizens for a new chapter of development and inclusive governance.

“The masses are waiting with great expectations,” he said. “They know Chief Adelabu’s capacity. They know his vision. They know his commitment to development. That is why his popularity continues to expand despite relentless attacks from political opponents.”

Awogboro concluded by warning critics against mistaking media noise for political strength.

“Political blackmail has never won elections, and it will not start now,” he declared. “The people of Oyo State are watching. They can see through the distractions. They understand the difference between those promoting development and those promoting division. As 2027 approaches, one thing remains clear: no amount of intimidation, propaganda, or sponsored criticism can stop a movement whose time has come.”