The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has begun a statewide membership revalidation and registration exercise across the 33 local government areas of Oyo State as part of efforts to strengthen its grassroots structures ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Chairman of the party’s Membership Revalidation, Mobilisation and Registration Committee in the state, Bisi Ilaka, disclosed this on Monday during a press conference in Ibadan, describing the initiative as a strategic move to expand the party’s base and deepen citizens’ participation in democratic governance.
Ilaka explained that the exercise is designed to cover all political structures in the state, including the 351 wards and 6,389 polling units that form the framework for elections and local governance.
According to him, the programme marks a significant milestone in the party’s ongoing effort to reposition itself through stronger grassroots engagement.
“Today marks a significant milestone in the journey of our great party as we take deliberate steps to strengthen our membership base, deepen grassroots participation, and ensure that every citizen of Oyo State has the opportunity to be part of the ADC movement for positive change,” he said.
Ilaka noted that each of the wards and polling units plays a crucial role in sustaining the party’s presence at the grassroots, adding that the revalidation and registration exercise aims to reach communities across the state.
“Oyo State consists of 351 wards across 33 local government areas. These wards, along with 6,389 polling units, form the administrative structure for elections and local governance in the state. Each local government and ward plays a critical role in the growth and sustenance of our party,” he said.
He stressed that membership of the party goes beyond simply possessing a party card, describing it as a commitment to the ADC’s ideals of accountability, progress and participatory governance.
“Membership in the ADC goes beyond holding a card; it signifies a commitment to our shared vision of progress, accountability and participatory governance,” Ilaka added.
The ADC chieftain said the two-week exercise would enable the party to reconnect with existing members while welcoming new supporters into its fold.
“Through this revalidation and registration exercise, we aim to reconnect with existing members, welcome new supporters, and empower citizens to actively contribute to shaping the future of Oyo State,” he said.
Ilaka urged party members to return to their respective wards and local government areas to participate in the exercise, while encouraging residents of the state to take advantage of the ongoing digital registration platform scheduled to end on Sunday.
“This two-week exercise is a critical step toward ensuring that our party reaches every willing supporter and builds a membership base ready to champion our collective vision for a better Oyo State,” he said.
He also commended the national leadership of the party, particularly the National Chairman, David Mark, and the National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, for their leadership and commitment to expanding the party’s influence nationwide.
Ilaka further revealed that the committee overseeing the exercise consists of 11 members drawn from the three senatorial districts of the state, with additional coordinators to be deployed to deepen mobilisation efforts at the grassroots.
“In addition, three members will be assigned in each local government area and three members in each ward to ensure thorough registration of ADC members at the grassroots level,” he said.
He appealed to residents of the state to support the initiative by joining the party and participating actively in the process, expressing confidence that the mobilisation drive would position the ADC strongly for future electoral contests.
“Let us move forward with determination, knowing that our collective efforts will ensure that the ADC emerges victorious in 2027, bringing about the change and progress that our state and nation deserve,” Ilaka said.
