…Fresh Development Deepens Confirmation of Adegoke’s Candidacy as Party Urges Aspirants to End Dispute
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published the personal particulars of Olooye Adegboyega Taofeek Adegoke as the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Oyo State, in another significant development ahead of the 2027 general election.
The publication, which includes Adegoke’s Form EC9, is coming amid a lingering controversy over the ADC governorship ticket in Oyo State and competing claims by some aspirants regarding who represents the party in the forthcoming election.
The development was welcomed by Adegoke’s media team, which described the publication as further confirmation of what it had consistently maintained: that Adegoke emerged from the party’s governorship primary and is the ADC’s recognised candidate in Oyo State.
INEC’s official 2027 electoral timetable provides for the publication of the personal particulars of governorship and State House of Assembly candidates. The Commission’s timetable lists Form EC9 as the document containing candidates’ personal particulars.
INEC’s official platforms currently list the Governorship/State House of Assembly election for February 6, 2027.
The commission has also stated that its electoral processes are being conducted in accordance with the Constitution and the Electoral Act, with political parties required to comply with prescribed nomination and candidate-submission procedures.
Reacting to the development, members of Adegoke’s media team said they were not surprised by the publication, insisting that they had always been confident that their principal was the legitimate ADC governorship candidate.
The team said Adegoke participated in the ADC governorship primary and emerged as the party’s candidate, adding that the process was monitored by INEC.
“We know our principal, Olooye Adegoke, went through the governorship primaries of the ADC, which was duly supervised by INEC, and came top to emerge as the Oyo State governorship candidate of the party.
“This display of our principal’s name should put to rest the claim by another aspirant that he is the candidate of the party,” the team said.
The media team consequently appealed to other governorship aspirants and their supporters to discontinue what it described as further misrepresentation of the ADC’s position and respect the outcome of the party’s internal process.
It urged all stakeholders to redirect their energy towards strengthening the party and preparing for the 2027 election rather than prolonging the dispute over the governorship ticket.
“We therefore urge all other aspirants and their supporters to desist forthwith from any further misrepresentations and to respect the decision of the party and the position of INEC,” the team stated.
The team also said the ADC remained committed to providing what it described as credible leadership and good governance to the people of Oyo State.
It described Adegoke as a tested leader with the vision, experience and capacity to contribute to the development of the state, while calling on party members and supporters to remain calm and united.
“We call on our members, supporters and the good people of Oyo State to remain calm, united and focused as we mobilise ahead of the elections,” the statement added.
The publication of Adegoke’s particulars by INEC is expected to add another layer to the ongoing political debate over the ADC governorship ticket in Oyo State, even as the 2027 election approaches and political parties intensify their preparations.
Editorial note: INEC’s current official election calendar confirms February 6, 2027 for the Governorship/State House of Assembly elections.
2027 Oyo Guber: INEC Publishes Adegoke’s EC9, Lists Him as ADC Candidate
