…as minister congratulates Fola Oyekunle ‘Don’ over by-election victory, calls for genuine reconciliation in APC
The Minister of Power and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has dismissed claims that he influenced the emergence of the party’s candidate in the just-concluded Ibadan North Federal Constituency by-election.
In a statement issued on Monday by his media aide, Bolaji Tunji, Adelabu described the APC’s loss in the election as “painful but instructive,” noting that the outcome should serve as a wake-up call for genuine reconciliation and collective action within the party.
While congratulating Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who won the poll, Adelabu admitted receiving the result with mixed emotions.
“I received the result with mixed feelings, sad that we lost as a party, but humbled by the people’s verdict.
“This defeat should inspire us to reflect deeply, heal internal divisions, and reconcile genuinely ahead of 2027, which presents another opportunity for our party,” he said.
The minister downplayed suggestions that the PDP’s victory was proof of Governor Seyi Makinde’s growing popularity, pointing instead to what he described as an “uninspiring voter turnout” of just 13 per cent.
According to him, the ruling party’s reliance on state resources and vote buying cannot be sustained in the 2027 governorship contest.
“One local government, which houses the seat of government, cannot be used to generalise the popularity of the ruling party across the state.
“The 2027 elections will be different, as the governor’s influence will naturally wane. If we put our house in order, the tide will certainly turn in our favour,” Adelabu declared.
Reacting to allegations that he imposed the APC candidate, Wale Olatunji Murphy, Adelabu denied any role in the party’s primary election.
“Whichever way the primaries turned out, I knew I would be accused. If Murphy had lost, people would say I abandoned loyalty or lacked influence to impose him; since he won, some claimed I imposed him. The truth is, I did not influence the process,” he explained.
He noted that he had assured stakeholders of his neutrality during the primaries and pledged support for whoever emerged — a promise he said he kept.
Acknowledging post-election criticisms, Adelabu maintained that such challenges come with leadership and vowed to continue working with other APC leaders to strengthen the party ahead of future elections.
“This is not the time for blame games but for collective responsibility. No aspiration is too big to be sacrificed for the unity, peace, and progress of our party. Together, we can restore the confidence of the people and return APC to winning ways,” he said.
The minister also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting a peaceful exercise but warned the electoral body against tolerating vote buying, stressing that credible elections remain essential for the growth of Nigeria’s democracy.
Adelabu however, expressed gratitude to the electorate for their participation and called for renewed trust-building within the APC as the countdown to 2027 begins.