The Presidency has dismissed reports suggesting that former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, urged Nigerians to reject the All Progressives Congress (APC) across the country.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, accused opposition figures of circulating an old audio recording out of context to create the impression that Adelabu had turned against the ruling party.
Onanuga clarified the issue in a social media post, insisting that the former minister did not make any nationwide appeal against the APC.
He wrote, “Adebayo Adelabu did not say Nigerians should reject the APC nationwide. The opposition is manipulating an old audio recording and spreading false information. A simple fact check should have cleared the air.”
The controversy followed the circulation of an audio recording from 2022, when Adelabu was the governorship candidate of the Accord Party in Oyo State.
The recording reportedly contained remarks that were subsequently presented as a call for Nigerians to reject the APC nationwide.
However, Adelabu had earlier denied making such a statement, describing the reports as false and misleading.
Through his media office, the former minister explained that his comments during the interview had been taken out of context and were being used to portray him as an opponent of the ruling party and President Tinubu.
His media team also reaffirmed his commitment to the APC, despite disagreements surrounding the party’s governorship nomination process in Oyo State.
The Presidency’s response comes amid political tensions surrounding party loyalties and preparations ahead of future electoral contests, with the disputed recording generating debate over Adelabu’s position within the ruling party.
Onanuga maintained that the claims were misleading and urged the public to verify information before accepting or sharing reports circulating on social media.
