Oyo 2027: Ibadan Chief Adegoke clinches ADC gov'ship ticket

By Johnson Arua

Prominent Ibadan traditional chief and businessman, Chief Taofeek Adegoke, has emerged as the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 election in Oyo State after defeating other aspirants in the party’s primary election held on Saturday.

Adegoke secured victory in the keenly contested exercise monitored by party stakeholders and delegates from across the state.

Announcing the results, Chairman of the Screening Committee, Rasak Salinsile, disclosed that Adegoke polled 16,051 votes to defeat his closest rival, Adebisi Ilaka, who garnered 11,415 votes.

According to the results, Gbemileke Alagbe scored 241 votes, while former Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Azeez Adeduntan, secured 155 votes. Niyi Aborisade polled 67 votes.

Speaking shortly after his emergence, Adegoke thanked party delegates and members for the confidence reposed in him, describing the victory as a collective mandate to reposition Oyo State for rapid growth and sustainable development.

He called on ADC members to remain united and intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

The governorship candidate pledged to prioritise infrastructural renewal, security, healthcare delivery, quality education and road rehabilitation if elected governor.

According to him, Oyo State possesses enormous human and natural resources that can be harnessed through visionary leadership and people-oriented governance.

“Oyo State is blessed with immense human and natural resources. What is required is transparent, responsible and visionary leadership that will place the welfare of the people above personal interests.

“My administration will pursue aggressive urban renewal programmes, strengthen security architecture, reposition the healthcare sector, improve educational standards and ensure that road infrastructure receives the attention it deserves.

“I am fully prepared to provide practical solutions to the challenges confronting our dear state. By the grace of God and with the support of the good people of Oyo State, we shall build a prosperous, secure and economically viable state that every citizen will be proud of,” he stated.

Adegoke also appreciated the national leadership of the ADC, including former Senate President David Mark, former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, for their support and confidence in his candidacy.

“I deeply appreciate the leadership of our great party for ensuring a transparent and credible process. I equally thank our supporters and party faithful for standing firmly with me throughout this journey.
“I want to assure our leaders, Senator David Mark, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar,that I will justify the trust and confidence they have reposed in me,” he added.

The ADC candidate also extended an olive branch to other aspirants who contested the primary election, urging them to join hands with him to strengthen the party ahead of the governorship poll.

“We may have contested against one another during the primary, but we remain members of the same political family with a common goal of rescuing Oyo State and delivering good governance to our people.

“I therefore extend my hand of fellowship to my brothers who participated in this contest so that together we can build a stronger and more united ADC capable of winning the 2027 governorship election,” Adegoke said.

He added that the successful conduct of the primary election reflected the unity, transparency and internal democratic culture within the ADC, expressing confidence that the party would emerge stronger ahead of the polls.