The political atmosphere within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Oyo State has been thrown into confusion following the emergence of conflicting reports announcing two different individuals as the party's governorship candidate for the 2027 election.
The development has left many political observers, party supporters, and stakeholders asking a simple but important question: Did the ADC conduct two separate governorship primaries, or is there a serious communication crisis within the party?
One report announced that prominent Ibadan businessman and traditional chief, Chief Adegboyega Taofeek Adegoke, popularly known in political circles as a respected entrepreneur and member of the Olubadan traditional institution, emerged as the governorship candidate of the ADC in Oyo State.
According to the report, Adegoke secured victory during the party's governorship primary election held on Saturday, defeating notable contenders, including former Chief of Staff to Governor Rashidi Ladoja and former Deputy Governorship candidate, Adebisi Lukmon Ilaka.
The results, reportedly announced by the Chairman of the Screening Committee, Rasak Salinsile, showed that Adegoke polled 16,051 votes to emerge victorious. Ilaka was said to have secured 11,415 votes, while Dr. Gbemileke Alagbe reportedly came third with 241 votes. Other aspirants included former Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Azeez Adeduntan, who polled 155 votes, and veteran activist Niyi Aborisade, who secured 67 votes.
However, in a dramatic twist, another report from the same political space declared that Dr. Gbemileke Alagbe (Eleniyan) had emerged as the ADC governorship candidate after winning the party's primary election.
The second report painted an entirely different picture. According to the published figures, a total of 21,600 votes were cast, with Dr. Alagbe polling an impressive 15,107 votes to defeat four other aspirants.
In that version of events, Niyi Aborisade secured 4,307 votes, Chief Taofeek Adegoke received 987 votes, Dr. Azeez Adeduntan polled 500 votes, while Adebisi Ilaka reportedly garnered just 90 votes.
The contradiction between both results has generated widespread debate across political circles and social media platforms in Oyo State.
Observers have noted that the figures presented in both reports are not merely different but completely opposite. In one scenario, Adegoke is declared the overwhelming winner with more than 16,000 votes, while Alagbe trails far behind with only 241 votes. In the second scenario, Alagbe records over 15,000 votes and Adegoke is reduced to fewer than 1,000 votes.
Political analysts argue that such discrepancies raise critical questions regarding the transparency and credibility of the process. Stakeholders are therefore demanding clarification from the state leadership of the ADC and the party's national headquarters.
Dr. Gbemileke Alagbe's emergence had earlier attracted attention due to his profile as a relatively young professional, banker, and technocrat. His supporters describe him as a fresh face capable of bringing innovation and modern governance to Oyo State.
On the other hand, Chief Taofeek Adegoke is regarded as an established businessman, philanthropist, and influential traditional title holder with extensive grassroots connections across the state. His supporters believe his business experience and political network position him strongly for the 2027 contest.
With both men now being publicly presented as ADC governorship candidates through separate reports, uncertainty continues to surround the party's preparations for the next electoral cycle.
As political activities gradually intensify ahead of 2027, many party faithful are eagerly awaiting an official and unambiguous statement from the ADC leadership to clarify who truly emerged as the party's authentic governorship flagbearer in Oyo State.
Until such clarification is provided, the question on the lips of many Oyo residents remains: How many governorship candidates does ADC actually have? And perhaps more importantly, which of the two results reflects the true outcome of the party's primary election?
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