The immediate past Minister of Power and All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial aspirant in Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has debunked a report suggesting that he has withdrawn his gubernatorial ambition, a statement by his aide, Femi Awogborio has said.

He said Adelabu has neither withdrawn from the governorship race nor conceded the injustice arising from the recently concluded gubernatorial primary process in the state.

Recall that there were circulating media report saying the former Minister has jettisoned his governorship ambition

Awogboro stated that at no point did his boss announce, suggest or imply any decision to abandon his aspiration.

He said: “Our attention has been drawn to a mischievous and misleading interpretation by some sections of the media of the recent press statement issued by Chief Adebayo Adelabu, suggesting that he has withdrawn from the race for the governorship of Oyo State.

“For the avoidance of doubt, what the statement clearly conveyed was his appeal to his loyalists, supporters and other concerned party members to remain calm, peaceful and dignified, and to refrain from abusive, aggressive or confrontational agitation while awaiting appropriate steps from the national leadership of the party to address the errors, unfairness and injustice associated with aspects of the primary process.

“Chief Adelabu’s decision to counsel restraint is borne out of his commitment to the unity, stability and progress of the All Progressives Congress (APC). It should therefore not be misconstrued as weakness, surrender, withdrawal or acceptance of what he and his supporters consider an unjust outcome.

“Indeed, he has taken encouragement from the open acknowledgement by the National Chairman of the party that there were errors and injustices in certain aspects of the primary election process in Oyo State. It is therefore reasonable to expect that the national leadership will take the necessary steps to address such concerns and ensure a fair and credible process of reconciliation among the aggrieved aspirants, their supporters and other stakeholders.

“As loyalists and supporters of Chief Adebayo Adelabu, we remain hopeful and resolute. We have confidence in God and in the wisdom of the national leadership of our great party to do what is right, just and honourable in the overall interest of the APC.”

Awogboro urged media organisations and other platforms currently circulating reports suggesting that Chief Adelabu has withdrawn from the governorship race to immediately retract, correct or clarify such reports.

“The decision to remain calm and allow the party’s leadership the opportunity to address genuine concerns must not be deliberately or carelessly misrepresented as withdrawal from the contest.

“As our elders wisely say, “Ọmọ Ọba kì í jagun bí ẹrú” a prince does not fight like a slave”, Chief Adelabu has consistently reminded his supporters that, even in the face of provocation and perceived injustice, our conduct must reflect our dignity, values, upbringing and standing. We have therefore chosen the path of restraint, without resorting to further aggressive agitation or confrontation, while keeping our hope alive that the national leadership of our party will take the honourable and appropriate steps necessary to correct the identified errors and injustices.

“This approach is not only in the best interest of justice and reconciliation; it is also essential to restoring confidence, reducing tension within the party and strengthening the unity and cohesion required for the APC to secure a resounding and overwhelming victory in Oyo State in the 2027 general elections.” (The Nation)