The immediate past Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has declared that he has no plan to dump the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Social Democratic Party (SDP) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Adelabu made this declaration via a statement issued on his behalf by his media aide, Femi Awogboro.

The statement was made available to DAILY POST in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Wednesday.

DAILY POST gathered that a rumour surfaced online on Tuesday that Adelabu had concluded plans to dump the APC.

It was stated in the rumour that the former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) intended to join the SDP.

But Adelabu, in his reaction, described the rumour as false and baseless.

He said that the rumour was fabricated to mislead members of the public.

Adelabu, in the statement, maintained that he is a committed member of the APC.

He, however, insisted that no amount of falsehood can deter him from the party.

“Those behind this rumour should understand that Chief Adelabu remains a committed and loyal member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and no amount of falsehood, propaganda, wishful thinking, or political mischief can alter that reality.

“The attempt to link Chief Adelabu with a non-existent defection agenda is therefore highly disrespectful and should be condemned by all well-meaning members of the public. It is nothing more than a calculated effort to generate media attention and create an artificial political trend where none exists.”

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Nentawe Yilwatda, has expressed confidence that the party will emerge victorious in the forthcoming Ekiti State governorship election, citing Governor Abiodun Oyebanji’s performance and widespread support among the people.

Yilwatda stated this in a post on X on Tuesday after attending the APC mega rally in Ekiti State alongside Vice President Kashim Shettima, members of the National Working Committee, governors and other party leaders.

According to him, the large turnout at the rally reflected the governor’s popularity and acceptance across the state, adding that residents were eager to reward him with another term in office.

The APC chairman said Oyebanji had justified the trust reposed in him by the people through the construction and rehabilitation of roads, investments in education, and policies aimed at improving human capital development.

He noted that the administration’s achievements were evident across the state and had earned the governor the confidence and support of the electorate.

Yilwatda expressed optimism that the APC would secure victory in the election, attributing the expected outcome to the governor’s record in office and the backing of Ekiti residents.

“Governor Oyebanji has justified the confidence reposed in him by the people. Under his administration, critical roads have been constructed and rehabilitated, opening up communities and facilitating economic activities.

“His government has created an enabling environment for students to learn and excel, while significant investments have been made in education and human capital development.

“Today, everywhere you turn in Ekiti, the evidence of good governance is visible. The people recognize what Governor Oyebanji has done, and they are proud of his achievements. That is why thousands gathered voluntarily to express their support and reaffirm their confidence in his leadership,” Yilwatda said.

Political stakeholders, community leaders and residents of Iwoye-Ijesa, Oriade Local Government Area of Osun State have resolved to intensify sensitisation against political violence ahead of forthcoming elections in the state.

The stakeholders also called for greater vigilance against external elements seeking to destabilise the community and urged political party leaders and candidates to demonstrate responsible leadership during the electoral process.

The resolutions were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of an inter-party peace meeting convened to promote harmony, tolerance and peaceful political engagement before, during and after the elections.

The communiqué was signed by the convener of the meeting, Dideolu Falobi.

A copy of the communiqué, obtained in Osogbo on Tuesday, indicated that participants, including representatives of the All Progressives Congress, Accord, African Democratic Congress and Peoples Democratic Party, pledged to serve as ambassadors of peace and work collectively to ensure elections were conducted in an atmosphere free of violence, intimidation and hatred.

Addressing the gathering, Falobi said the initiative became necessary in view of reported incidents in Ilesa, Ede, Ikire and Iwo, as well as the need to preserve the peace and stability for which Iwoye-Ijesa is known.

He said, “We consider it imperative to begin early sensitisation and mobilisation for peaceful elections so that our community remains united and insulated from violence and divisive politics.”

Reflecting on the community’s history, Falobi described Iwoye-Ijesa as the only town in Ijesaland that neither recorded killings nor witnessed the burning of houses during the turbulent “Operation Wetie” political crisis of the 1960s.

According to him, “The development recorded in the town over the years has been made possible through unity, cooperation and the collective efforts of its sons, daughters and supportive in-laws.”

Falobi urged members and supporters of all political parties to conduct themselves peacefully throughout the election period and avoid violence, intimidation, hate speech and destruction of property.

In separate remarks, Kehinde Falore, Taiwo Falobi, Oladele Opeyemi and Foyeke Fasugba emphasised the need for the active involvement of women in promoting peaceful elections and advocated politics rooted in love, tolerance and mutual respect.

The speakers also called for continuous sensitisation against political violence, greater vigilance against external elements seeking to destabilise the community and responsible leadership by political parties and their candidates.

The Oniwoye of Iwoye-Ijesa, Oba Adewumi Ogidiolu, commended the initiative and expressed support for efforts aimed at preserving peace in the community.

Oba Adewumi also appealed to residents and political actors to embrace fairness, tolerance and mutual understanding throughout the electioneering process.