2027: Makinde’s comments reflect political anxiety — Adelabu

The camp of the Minister of Power and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship hopeful in Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has accused Governor Seyi Makinde of “panic and desperation” following his recent comments about the minister.

In a statement issued by Bolaji Tunji, Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations to Adelabu, the group said the governor’s remarks reflected growing insecurity over the changing political climate in the state.

According to Tunji, the governor’s criticism was “a projection of his own fears,” especially as the APC in Oyo State has become more united around key figures including Adelabu, Senator Teslim Folarin and former First Lady Florence Ajimobi.

He claimed that influential politicians once aligned with Governor Makinde were now shifting support to Adelabu, citing Senator Hosea Agboola and former Commissioner for Works, Professor Raphael Afonja, among those said to have moved.

The statement also alleged that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state was weakening, with some local leaders defecting to the APC — a development it described as a setback for Makinde ahead of future political contests.

Tunji further argued that Adelabu’s professional and academic credentials, including roles in top financial institutions and his current ministerial position, give him an advantage over the governor.

He added that Adelabu’s business investments in Oyo State had encouraged more private investments in the region.

The statement accused Makinde of benefitting from divisions within the APC during the 2019 election and urged him to focus more on governance.

“It called on the governor to address security concerns, debt issues and infrastructure challenges, rather than “name-calling”.

“Chief Adelabu remains focused on his national responsibilities and his vision for Oyo State,” the statement noted.

Governor Makinde had yet to respond to the claims at the time of filing this report.