The controversy over the authentic governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Oyo State for the 2027 general election appears to have been laid to rest following the display by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of Form EC9 bearing the name of Olooye Taofeek Adegboyega Adegoke as the party’s governorship candidate.

Adegoke’s Form EC9 was displayed by INEC at midnight on Saturday, in line with the commission’s timetable for the 2027 general election.

The development followed a recent claim by Dr Gbemileke Alagbe, popularly known as Eleniyan, that he was the ADC governorship candidate in Oyo State. Alagbe had also named another governorship aspirant, Chief Niyi Aborisade, as his running mate.

However, INEC displayed Adegoke’s name alongside those of governorship candidates of other political parties participating in the 2027 elections in states where governorship polls will be held.

The display was in fulfilment of the commission’s timetable, which provides for the publication of the names of governorship candidates submitted by political parties on Saturday, August 29, 2026.

According to the timetable, the governorship election is scheduled to hold on Saturday, February 6, 2027, in Oyo and 27 other states.

Reacting to the development, the media team of Adegoke said it was not surprised by INEC’s publication, maintaining that it had always been convinced that its principal was the authentic ADC governorship candidate in Oyo State.

The team said the publication by INEC had further confirmed its position on the matter.

“We know our principal, Olooye Adegoke went through the Governorship primaries of the ADC which was duly supervised by the 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.

“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 ADC remains committed to providing credible leadership and good governance to the people of Oyo State. Olooye Adegboyega Taofeek Adegoke is a tested leader with the capacity, vision, and experience to deliver on the mandate of rebuilding Oyo State.