ADC Oyo Gov Ticket Dispute Escalates

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is embroiled in a deepening crisis over its leadership and the rightful claimant to the Oyo State governorship ticket for the 2027 election. Dr. Gbemileke Alagbe insists he is the legitimate candidate, asserting his victory in a primary election that he claims was monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies.

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Those making such claims are either not members of our party or have been sponsored from outside to cause division within the party.

Alagbe's stance comes as another party contender, Taofeeq Adegoke, has begun publicly unveiling his campaign structure and outlining his policy agenda. Adegoke promises an issue-based, grassroots campaign ahead of the February 6, 2027 governorship election, presenting a direct challenge to Alagbe's claim.

Challenging the legitimacy of rival claims, Alagbe stated that the May 22, 2026 governorship primary was properly conducted, with five aspirants participating. He presented himself as the winner and possesses a certificate of return as proof. Alagbe dismissed those making competing claims as either non-members or sponsored individuals aiming to sow division within the party.

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The ADC governorship primary was conducted on May 22, 2026. The primary was monitored by INEC and all the relevant security agencies. We have reports to that effect, and the citizens of Oyo State can also verify what happened.

Alagbe further argued that disputes over candidacy should be addressed through formal legal channels, not media pronouncements. He suggested that anyone disputing his victory should present evidence or seek judicial intervention. He believes that attempts to gain candidacy through media portrayal or influencing party structures are not the correct procedures.

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I emerged as the winner of the primary from among the five aspirants who contested. I was declared the winner, and I have the certificate of return to prove it.

The dispute is reportedly part of a broader crisis affecting the ADC across the South-West geopolitical zone, with similar divisions observed in other states like Lagos. Alagbe mentioned making multiple attempts to reconcile factions within the Oyo State chapter, but these efforts have reportedly been unsuccessful.

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I do not see what they are doing as a challenge to my victory. If they were genuinely challenging my victory, they would have gone to court or taken steps to invalidate the result and the report of the primary.