Femi Awogboro, media aide to former Minister of Power and Oyo State governorship aspirant, Adebayo Adelabu, has said no amount of criticism, blackmail or coordinated attacks can diminish the politician’s growing popularity ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
According to The Punch, Awogboro made the assertion in a statement issued in Ibadan on Tuesday, describing recent attacks on Adelabu as a familiar political strategy often deployed against politicians whose popularity continues to rise.
He argued that the criticism directed at Adelabu was similar to what President Bola Tinubu faced before the 2023 presidential election.
“Those who think they can stop Adelabu through media attacks and sponsored criticisms should learn from history. The same tactics were deployed against President Bola Tinubu before the 2023 election. He was abused, insulted, underestimated and attacked from different directions, yet he emerged victorious because the people saw beyond the propaganda,” Awogboro said.
According to him, the intensity of the attacks reflects the growing influence of the former minister within Oyo State politics.
“If Adelabu was not a major factor in the political equation of Oyo, nobody would be investing so much energy attacking him. The truth is simple: the louder the attacks become, the more they expose the fears of those who know that Adelabu remains one of the strongest and most formidable political figures in the state today,” he added.
Awogboro questioned the timing of the criticisms, suggesting that they had intensified as momentum continued to build around Adelabu’s political ambition.
“Why now? Why didn’t these people raise these concerns years ago? Why is it that as 2027 approaches and the momentum behind Adelabu continues to grow, some individuals suddenly become political activists overnight? Nigerians are wiser than that. Oyo people understand what is happening,” he stated.
He further maintained that Adelabu enjoys widespread support across different segments of society, including youths, women, professionals and grassroots members of the All Progressives Congress.
“The youths support him, women believe in his vision, professionals respect his competence, and grassroots party members recognise his commitment to the progress of Oyo State. This level of acceptance cannot be manufactured. It has been built over many years of engagement, sacrifice and service,” he said.
Awogboro also highlighted Adelabu’s experience in banking, public administration and government, describing him as a leader with proven capacity and competence.
He dismissed suggestions that the criticism could weaken Adelabu’s standing within the APC, insisting that his support base remained strong and organic.
“Those behind these campaigns are wasting their time. The movement behind Adelabu is organic. It is driven by ordinary people who genuinely believe he possesses the vision, competence and character required to move Oyo forward. Such a movement cannot be destroyed by newspaper headlines or social media propaganda,” he said.
The aide expressed confidence that some of Adelabu’s current critics would eventually become his supporters as political developments unfold.
“Politics is full of surprises. Many of today’s critics will become tomorrow’s supporters. Once the dust settles and emotions give way to reality, many people will realise that Adelabu remains one of the most prepared and credible leaders for the future of Oyo,” he added.
Awogboro also urged APC members across the state not to be distracted by what he described as deliberate attempts to create division within the party.
Adelabu formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 Oyo State governorship election in May 2026 following his resignation as Minister of Power. He said his ambition was driven by the need for stronger leadership, accelerated development and measurable governance in the state.
