Former Power Minister insists he remains loyal to President Tinubu and the ruling party, accusing those circulating the resurfaced clip of attempting to create tension within the APC.

Former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has denied calling on Nigerians to reject the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing a viral video containing the alleged remarks as misleading and taken out of context.

Adelabu’s denial followed the resurfacing of a video on Saturday showing him making comments about political parties during an interview in 2022, when he was the governorship candidate of the Accord Party in Oyo State.

In a statement issued by his media office on Sunday, the former minister said the footage had been selectively presented to portray him as an opponent of the APC and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He maintained that his comments were made in the political context of 2022 and were not intended to encourage Nigerians to reject the ruling party or oppose Tinubu’s presidency.

According to his media office, Adelabu had expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of political parties generally, arguing that voters should pay greater attention to the credibility, character and competence of individual candidates rather than blindly supporting party platforms.

The statement described the narrative surrounding the video as false and malicious, alleging that it was designed to undermine Adelabu’s relationship with Tinubu and create unnecessary friction between him and the APC leadership.

“This report is entirely false, misleading and maliciously intended to discredit Chief Adelabu, undermine his loyalty to the APC and, perhaps, create unnecessary friction between him, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the party. We therefore urge the public to disregard the fabricated narrative,” the statement said.

Adelabu Reaffirms Loyalty to Tinubu, APC

The former minister’s media office insisted that Adelabu remained committed to the APC and loyal to Tinubu despite disagreements surrounding the party’s governorship nomination process in Oyo State.

It argued that Adelabu’s political record and longstanding relationship with the President should be considered before accepting allegations that he had turned against the party.

“Throughout his political journey, Adelabu has consistently demonstrated his commitment to the APC and his loyalty to President Tinubu,” the statement added.

The media office also addressed the controversy surrounding the party’s governorship primary in Oyo State, saying Adelabu had expressed concerns over the alleged failure to transparently publish the results of the exercise and the subsequent declaration of a preferred aspirant as the winner.

According to the statement, his demand for transparency and fairness within the party should not be mistaken for disloyalty or opposition to its leadership.

“His position has been consistent: loyalty does not preclude the demand for fairness, transparency and adherence to democratic principles,” the statement said.

It further maintained that Adelabu had repeatedly made it clear that he had no intention of leaving the APC and did not regard his political ambition as a do-or-die affair.

His relationship with Tinubu, the media office said, remained cordial and was built on longstanding mutual respect and trust.

Media Office Challenges Circulation of Viral Video

Adelabu’s media team challenged those sharing the video to publish the full, unedited interview to allow Nigerians to assess his comments within their original context.

It also claimed that the former minister had not granted any media interview since the conclusion of the disputed APC governorship nomination process in Oyo State in which the alleged remarks were made.

The statement urged APC members, journalists and members of the public to verify information before circulating it, warning that misleading reports could fuel unnecessary divisions within the party.

It reiterated that Adelabu remained a member of the APC and continued to support the party’s political objectives.

The controversy highlights the political sensitivities surrounding party loyalty, internal democracy and aspirants’ grievances as political manoeuvring continues ahead of Nigeria’s next general elections.

Adelabu’s media office urged the public to rely on statements issued by the former minister or his authorised representatives rather than interpretations of old video clips circulating on social media.