Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has dispelled widespread rumours of political imposition surrounding the recently concluded Ibadan North State Constituency by-election, clarifying that he had no hand in imposing the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Mr. Murphy Adigun, on the party. Adelabu made the statement while addressing party loyalists, stakeholders, and journalists at a gathering in Ibadan on Friday.
Speaking firmly, Chief Adelabu stated that the selection of Murphy as APC’s candidate was a product of party consensus and internal processes, and not a unilateral decision from any political heavyweight, including himself.
“I want to categorically state that I did not impose Murphy on Ibadan North APC. The process was democratic and transparent. The party leaders and members made a collective decision. Imposition is not part of our political culture, and I stand against it,” Adelabu said.
The Minister also addressed speculation surrounding his potential gubernatorial ambition in 2027. He made it clear that while he remains committed to serving the people of Oyo State and contributing to national development under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, any decision regarding future political aspirations would be subject to the will of the people and party members.
“Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a democrat to the core. He will never impose a candidate on party members. When the time comes, our people will decide who they want to support. I will not accept imposition, and I do not expect to be imposed on anyone,” he added.
Adelabu further emphasized the importance of party unity and discipline, urging all APC members in Oyo State to focus on strengthening the party ahead of future elections rather than engaging in divisive rumours and false narratives.
The Ibadan North bye-election, held recently, saw APC’s Murphy Adigun loose in the contest that witnessed moderate voter turnout and peaceful conduct. However, the selection process had sparked some internal discontent, prompting allegations of favoritism and backdoor endorsement claims now publicly debunked by Adelabu.
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