A group, Oyo Concerned Youths, has claimed that the absence of National Assembly members and top leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at Chief Bayo Adelabu’s gubernatorial declaration in Ibadan for the 2027 elections in Oyo State showed a lack of support for the former Minister of Power within the party.
The group made the claim on Tuesday in a statement signed by its Chairman, Biola Akinlade, shortly after the declaration event.
According to the group, no serving senator or member of the House of Representatives from Oyo State attended the programme despite weeks of publicity ahead of the event.
The statement said senior party leaders, elders, and grassroots coordinators also stayed away from the gathering.
“The Oyo Concerned Youths have noted with interest the conspicuous absence of National Assembly members and key leaders of the All Progressives Congress, APC, at Chief Bayo Adelabu’s gubernatorial declaration held today in Ibadan,” Akinlade stated.
He said the event was “poorly attended by the party’s elected representatives and stakeholders” despite what he described as the deployment of resources, including a free Pasuma concert and alleged cash handouts of N4,000 to attendees.
He said: “This boycott speaks louder than any speech delivered on the podium.
“It confirms what Oyo people already know: that Chief Adelabu’s three years as Minister of Power produced no verifiable projects, no party-building efforts, and no meaningful engagement with the people he now seeks to govern.”
The group further criticised the content of the declaration, saying it lacked a clear development plan for the state.
It said: “The so-called declaration was long on pageantry and short on substance.
“Throughout the event, there was no clear roadmap for developing Oyo State or taking it to the next level.
“It was, once again, about personal ambition rather than public service.”
The group urged residents not to be swayed by concerts or cash gifts during political campaigns.
It added: “We urge the people of Oyo to see through this pattern of using concerts and handouts as a substitute for performance and accountability.
“The youth of Oyo will not be deceived.
“We remain focused.
“Collect the money if offered, but vote for competence, character, and a proven record of service.”
