The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Oyo State has declared renowned businessman and philanthropist, Olooye Taofeek Adegboyega Adegoke, as the winner of its governorship primary election ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Adegoke secured a sweeping victory in the primary conducted across the wards in the state on Friday, defeating four other aspirants to clinch the party’s governorship ticket.
Announcing the results on Saturday evening, the Chairman of the Primary Election Committee, Hon. Rasak Salinsile, disclosed that Adegoke polled a total of 16,051 votes to emerge victorious.
According to the results announced by the committee, Chief Bisi Ilaka came second with 11,415 votes, while Chief Gbemilade Alagbe secured 241 votes. Dr. Azeez Adeduntan polled 155 votes, while Barrister Niyi Aborishade garnered 67 votes.
With the victory, Adegoke, who holds the traditional title of Aare Egbe Omo Balogun of Ibadanland, will now fly the ADC flag in the February 2027 governorship election in Oyo State.
Explaining the delay in the official announcement of the results, Hon. Salinsile said the large geographical spread of Oyo State affected the collation process, adding that results from some parts of the state arrived on Saturday afternoon.
Speaking shortly after being declared winner, Adegoke expressed profound appreciation to party members across the state for entrusting him with the party’s governorship mandate.
The ADC governorship candidate described his victory as a collective triumph for members of the party and immediately extended a hand of fellowship to the other aspirants, urging them to join hands with him in building a prosperous, peaceful and progressive Oyo State.
“No man is an island. I am ready to work with everybody. We will work together and brainstorm together for the betterment of Oyo State,” Adegoke said.
He disclosed that some of the aspirants had already pledged their support and cooperation, describing the development as a strong indication of unity within the party.
Adegoke charged ADC members and supporters to intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 election, insisting that the task of rescuing and repositioning Oyo State had only just begun.
“The job has just started. We must mobilise our people and let them know the good things we have in stock for them,” he stated.
Outlining his vision for the state, Adegoke promised what he termed “incremental development,” assuring residents that his administration would build on existing achievements while introducing transformative policies in critical sectors.
“Where the present government stops, that is where we will begin. Oyo State will witness massive development under our administration,” he declared.
The ADC candidate also assured residents that security would receive top priority under his government, stressing that no meaningful development could thrive in an atmosphere of insecurity.
“We will not push security issues to the background. The safety of lives and property will remain at the front burner of our administration,” he said.
Adegoke further pledged to tackle challenges confronting the education, healthcare and water sectors, lamenting the decline in public infrastructure and social services across the state.
Recalling the era when pipe-borne water was accessible in Ibadan and other parts of the state, he promised to revive such essential services for the benefit of the people.
“When I was growing up, there was tap water everywhere in Ibadan and across the state. We will restore such basic amenities and improve the quality of life for our people,” he added.
The ADC governorship flagbearer expressed confidence that his administration would usher in a new era of governance in Oyo State if elected in 2027.
“It is going to be a different ball game from the moment we assume office,” Adegoke declared confidently.
