Media aide to former Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, Femi Awogboro, has dismissed the growing wave of criticism against his principal as a calculated but futile attempt to derail Adelabu’s 2027 governorship ambition in Oyo State.

Awogboro, in a statement issued in Ibadan, argued that the recent attacks on the All Progressives Congress chieftain are a familiar political tactic deployed against contenders whose influence is expanding across the state.

According to him, those sponsoring negative campaigns against Adelabu are only confirming his relevance in Oyo’s evolving political landscape.

He drew a parallel with the pre-election onslaught against President Bola Tinubu before the last general elections, noting that despite intense criticism and underestimation, Tinubu eventually triumphed at the polls.

Awogboro maintained that the intensity and timing of the attacks on Adelabu should raise questions among political observers, especially as the 2027 race begins to take shape and support for the former minister grows within and outside the APC.

He insisted that Adelabu’s appeal cuts across key demographics in the state, listing youths, women, professionals and grassroots party members as blocs where the former Central Bank deputy governor enjoys strong backing.

Awogboro said this level of acceptance was not a product of media spin but of years of engagement and service, citing Adelabu’s record in banking, public administration and his stint as Minister of Power as evidence of competence and capacity.

He rejected suggestions that the barrage of criticism could weaken Adelabu’s standing in the APC, describing the support base around him as “organic” and driven by ordinary citizens who believe he can “move Oyo forward.”

Awogboro predicted that many of today’s critics would eventually realign with Adelabu as political calculations shift closer to the election, stressing that Nigerian politics is replete with examples of opponents turning allies once “the dust settles.”

He urged APC members in Oyo State to remain focused and not be distracted by what he called deliberate attempts to sow confusion within the party ahead of its internal contests.

Adelabu, a two-time governorship aspirant on the APC platform, has already declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election, saying his renewed bid is driven by the quest for stronger leadership, accelerated development and measurable governance in Oyo State.