ADC–PDP Drama Deepens in Oyo as Alagbe Visits Gbolarunmi, While INEC Lists Adegoke as ADC Candidate
A fresh political controversy has erupted within the opposition camp in Oyo State following a courtesy visit by Dr. Gbemileke Alagbe and his proposed running mate, Barr. Niyi Aborisade, to the residence of former PDP governorship candidate Hazeem Gbolarunmi in Bodija Estate, Ibadan.
The visit has triggered heated reactions across political circles, particularly against the backdrop of the lingering controversy over who should be regarded as the authentic African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate for the 2027 Oyo State election.
Gbolarunmi, who shared details of the meeting on Facebook, wrote that the ADC gubernatorial candidate, Mr. Alágbè Gbemileke, and his deputy, Barr. Aborishade, paid him a courtesy visit at his residence in Bodija Estate.
He described the encounter as an example of the kind of politics that should prevail in Oyo State—politics capable of building bridges rather than creating unnecessary divisions.
According to the message, political differences should not prevent politicians from maintaining mutual respect, dialogue and goodwill.
“Politics should build bridges, not burn them,” Gbolarunmi stated, stressing that political competition should not necessarily translate into personal bitterness or hatred.
He argued that politicians may belong to different platforms and pursue different political strategies, but they remain stakeholders in the same state.
“Politics will come and go. Elections will come and go. Oyo will remain,” he wrote.
However, the seemingly cordial political encounter immediately generated controversy online, with some commentators interpreting Alagbe’s visit to the PDP figure as a possible indication of political realignment or cooperation between factions of the opposition.
The controversy became even sharper because of the unresolved claims surrounding the ADC governorship ticket.
INEC’s Published Candidate Adds New Dimension
Recent developments have, however, provided an important factual backdrop to the debate.
Reports published following the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) publication of governorship nomination information indicate that Olooye Adegboyega Taofeek Adegoke was listed as the ADC governorship candidate for Oyo State.
According to reports, INEC displayed Adegoke’s Form EC9 on August 29, 2026, alongside the nomination details of other governorship candidates, in accordance with its timetable for the 2027 elections.
Reports further state that Adegoke emerged from an ADC governorship primary supervised by INEC, polling 16,051 votes. Gbemileke Alagbe reportedly received 241 votes, while Bisi Ilaka, Azeez Adeduntan and Niyi Aborisade also contested the primary.
That development has intensified reactions from supporters of Adegoke, who insist that the publication of his name by INEC settles the question of who currently appears on the electoral commission’s record as the ADC candidate.
Some of the comments under Gbolarunmi’s post were blunt:
“Don’t confuse people sir. The candidate confirmed by INEC is Olooye Adegoke.”
Another commenter wrote:
“INEC gave us Olooye Adegoke as the confirmed candidate and that's it.”
Others similarly insisted that Olooye Taofeek Adegboyega Adegoke remains the candidate recognised on INEC’s published record, while accusing those presenting Alagbe as the ADC candidate of creating confusion.
One commenter simply asked: “Gubernatorial candidate as how exactly? Olooye is the only one.”
Political Courtesy or Something More?
The visit to Gbolarunmi has therefore opened another chapter in Oyo’s increasingly intriguing 2027 political drama.
For supporters of Alagbe, the meeting may simply represent political maturity, consultation and the willingness to engage across party lines. For his critics, however, the timing raises questions about the political calculations behind the encounter.
Gbolarunmi himself appeared to frame the meeting as an opportunity to promote peaceful political engagement, urging politicians to choose dialogue over hostility and unity over division.
Yet, with INEC’s recently published nomination information identifying Adegoke as the ADC candidate, the central question remains politically significant: who ultimately has the lawful and electoral authority to represent the ADC on the ballot in Oyo State?
For now, the latest publicly reported INEC record points to Adegoke.
The 2027 Oyo governorship election is scheduled for February 6, 2027, meaning the political manoeuvring, alignments and counter-alignments are likely only beginning.
As the debate continues, one thing is certain: the ADC governorship controversy is far from disappearing from Oyo State’s political conversation.
And as politicians continue to visit, negotiate and build bridges, the ultimate question remains—**who will actually carry the ADC name on the ballot when Oyo voters head to the polls?**
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