“Await Abuja’s verdict” – Former power minister begs party members over planned defections after primaries

In a statement issued on Monday, Adelabu said only the national leadership of the APC is authorised to announce the final outcome of the primaries.

He urged party members to disregard unofficial lists of successful candidates circulating on social media and other channels pending an official declaration from the party headquarters in Abuja.

“I therefore appeal to all our members and supporters to remain calm, patient and law-abiding while awaiting the final declaration from the party headquarters in Abuja,” he said.

Adelabu warned against rumours, propaganda and premature victory claims, saying they could create confusion among party faithful.

“At this crucial stage, no one should allow himself or herself to be misled by rumours, propaganda or premature victory claims designed to manipulate public perception, create confusion among party faithful and influence ongoing consultations within the party,” he said.

The former minister expressed concern over reports that some APC members were already leaving the party because of alleged consensus arrangements.

His words: “I am particularly concerned by reports that some of our members, feeling aggrieved by the rumours surrounding the purported consensus arrangements, have begun defecting to opposition parties in protest. Let me state unequivocally that I condemn these defections in their entirety.”

Adelabu said abandoning the APC over speculation would weaken the party and strengthen its political opponents.

“Every committed member of APC has invested time, resources, energy and sacrifices into the growth of this party. It would be unfortunate to abandon that investment based on speculations and unofficial information,” he stated.

He said the party’s experiences in the 2019 and 2023 elections underscored the dangers of internal divisions and avoidable defections.

Adelabu expressed confidence that the APC national leadership would address concerns arising from the primary process and ensure fairness.

“I have absolute confidence that the National Leadership of our party possesses the wisdom, experience and institutional capacity to address all concerns arising from the primary process.

“I am equally confident that appropriate interventions will be made where necessary to ensure justice, fairness and party cohesion,” he concluded.