The Oyo State chapter of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, on Thursday formally unveiled Barrister Niyi Aborisade a former governorship aspirant of the party as its Deputy Governorship candidate for the 2027 election.
Addressing journalists at a press conference in Ibadan, the ADC Governorship candidate, Dr. Gbemileke Alagbe, expressed the party’s readiness to commence full campaign.
“We are here principally to formally present our deputy governorship candidate and to tell the public that we are now ready to go ahead with our campaign. We are not just campaigning; we are in this race to win as a party,” Alagbe said.
He called on aggrieved members to return to the fold and work together for the party to emerge victorious in the 2027 elections
“By now, it is very clear that those who are not in this fold are standing outside the party.We are calling on them to come home, unite with us and let us work together as comrades with a common interest,” he said.
Assuring residents, Alagbe added: “ADC is one. ADC has come to stay. All the noise and bickering that have happened, we are putting behind us and forging ahead to contest this election. By God’s grace, with your support, we are going to win.”
Describing Aborisade, Alagbe said: “He is a man with a good heart.The primary was open, fair and just. He is not a man with bitterness in his spirit. He is a team player and a team builder. We believe he will add value to this campaign and to our government.”
In his acceptance speech, Barr. Niyi Aborisade said he accepted the responsibility with humility, gratitude and courage.
“This is not about personal ambition. It is about the people. It is about the future of Oyo State,”he stated.
“Let me make this clear and without apology: no power or money can turn us into slaves in Oyo State and Nigeria. We are people who were born free, and people who are born free should live freely. Our freedom is not for sale.” he declared
Aborisade said the ADC ticket represents competence, integrity and determination to bring newness and positive change to Oyo State adding “We are not coming to government to occupy offices. We are coming to serve. We are coming to work. We are coming to listen,”
He promised a government that will create opportunities for youths, support farmers and traders, and strengthen education, healthcare and infrastructure.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the State Chairman of the ADC ,Alhaji Yinka Olona, said the party’s primary was conducted in accordance with the laid-down rules, regulations and constitution of the party
“We have seen some people claiming to have emerged as candidates, but they are not officially recognised by the law,” Olona stated.
On reconciliation, he said: “What you are seeing today is that people who contested against one another are now sitting together and ready to work together as one. The reconciliation process is progressing, and more people will still come.”
Fielding questions from journaliss , Dr. Alagbe highlighted the party’s 14-point agenda
to include non demolition houses of residents, non aqisition and sale of Oyo State land.
Others include; plan for a light rail system connecting the major cities in Oyo State, especially Oke-Ogun, linking Oke-Ogun to Ogbomoso, Ibarapa, Oyo and Ibadan to boost agriculture , job creation, revival of industrial hubs in Lagos-Ibadan corridor, Ibarapa, Oke-Ogun and Ogbomoso to tackle unemployment and to tackle insecurity through the use of drones and modern technology to secure forests and ungoverned spaces.
On party division, Alagbe said: there have been The leaders concluded that ADC is not only an alternative; it is a credible platform that is here to win Oyo State and provide a formidable government.
On reconciliation, Alagbe said disclosed that there are several efforts towards reconciliation saying “As far as we are concerned, there is no division legally.To those who are politically aggrieved, we say: let us come together.”
