By The Merit Newspaper Editorial Board
A wave of confusion has swept through political discussions in Oyo State following viral claims on social media alleging that All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, popularly known as “Penkelemesi,” has been disqualified from the party’s 2027 gubernatorial race.
The claims, which began circulating around Monday, 18 May 2026, have been widely shared by online commentators and self-styled political bloggers, triggering mixed reactions among supporters and political observers across the state.
However, there is currently no official confirmation from the APC or any of its recognised structures to support the claim, as the party has neither concluded its governorship primary process nor announced a consensus candidate for Oyo State.
No Official Disqualification, No Consensus Candidate
Findings and available political developments indicate that the APC in Oyo State remains in its pre-primary consultation and mobilisation phase ahead of its forthcoming governorship primary election.
As of Wednesday, 20 May 2026, no aspirant under the party’s platform has been officially disqualified, nor has any candidate stepped down from the race.
Party stakeholders also confirmed that internal democratic processes—such as screening, consultations, and negotiations—are still ongoing, making any claim of endorsement or disqualification premature and misleading.
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Social Media Fueling Political Misinformation
The incident has once again raised concerns about the growing spread of misinformation within Nigeria’s digital political space, where unverified claims often go viral before official clarification is made.
Observers say the speed at which false political narratives spread online continues to distort public understanding and create unnecessary tension within party structures.
In the current case, the viral reports regarding Chief Adebayo Adelabu have been traced mainly to unofficial sources and online influencers without verifiable party backing.
APC Yet to Finalise Governorship Race
The All Progressives Congress (APC) is still expected to conduct its governorship primary election in Oyo State, where aspirants will formally test their popularity and delegate support.
Until that process is concluded, political analysts warn that any claim of a confirmed candidate, disqualification, or consensus arrangement remains speculative.
Chief Adebayo Adelabu remains one of the prominent figures within the Oyo APC political landscape, with his supporters actively engaging in mobilisation efforts ahead of the primaries.
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Call for Caution and Responsible Reporting
Media practitioners, political actors, and social media users have been urged to verify political information before sharing it online, in order to prevent the spread of misleading narratives.
Experts warn that unchecked misinformation not only damages reputations but can also destabilise internal party processes and misinform voters ahead of critical elections.
As Nigeria’s political space continues to heat up ahead of 2027, stakeholders stress the need for accuracy, professionalism, and responsible digital engagement.
The unfolding situation in Oyo State serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by viral misinformation in modern politics. Until official statements are released by the APC or the affected individuals, all claims regarding disqualification or withdrawal remain unverified and should be treated with caution.
