Dr Gbemileke Alagbe and Chief Niyi Aborisade of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Oyo State have insisted that the dispute over the party’s 2027 governorship ticket will ultimately be determined by the court.
Alagbe had earlier claimed to have won the party’s governorship primary in the state and subsequently nominated Aborisade as his running mate. However, when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) released its list of candidates, the name of Adegboyega Adegoke appeared as the ADC governorship candidate for Oyo State, a development challenged by Alagbe and Aborisade.
The dispute has since generated competing claims within the party. Aborisade maintains that Alagbe emerged from the May 22, 2026 governorship primary.
The Alagbe and Aborisade spoke during the flag-off of their governorship campaign in the ancient city of Oyo town, amid the ongoing legal battle over the party’s candidacy.
The Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan had, on September 15, adjourned further hearing in the suit challenging the ADC governorship candidate to September 30, 2026. The adjournment followed fresh applications and issues relating to the service of court processes.
Aborisade said the pendency of the case would not prevent the candidates from meeting voters and presenting their plans for the state.
He said: “We are the lawful candidates. Though some people have claimed they have removed our name from INEC, nevertheless, we are exercising our fundamental human right to meet the people, to discuss with them and to tell them what we have in mind to do for them.”
He urged supporters to remain calm and allow the judicial process to run its course.
“To our followers, to our members, and to the people, we are saying, just relax, be still, and know that Alagbe and Aborisade will be declared the Governor and Deputy Governor of Oyo State in the forthcoming election,” he said.
Aborisade also explained the decision to commence the campaign in Oyo town rather than Ibadan, saying the ancient town had significant historical and cultural importance.
“When you look at the American system, you see they will start from Iowa or New Hamphire, not California. Oyo is an ancient town where we have the Alaafin himself, so Oyo is a respectable town that we have to start the campaign from,” he said.
He said the campaign would move from Oyo to Ogbomoso, then Ibarapa and eventually Ibadan.
The campaign featured a road walk and visits to markets in Oyo, including Ajegunle Market, where the candidates interacted with traders and residents. The delegation also paid a courtesy visit to the Alago-Oja of Ago-Oja.
Aborisade said an ADC administration would prioritise free education, greater autonomy for local governments and improved security across Oyo State.
