The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Oyo State has formally unveiled Dr. Gbemileke Alagbe, popularly known as Eleniyan, as its governorship candidate and Chief Niyi Aborisade as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election, declaring that the party is united and determined to offer the people an alternative political direction.
The unveiling took place at a press conference attended by party leaders, such as Egbeda ADC chairman, Chief Funsho Owoade ,Abidikugu amongst other members, supporters and journalists, where the state chairman, Chief Yinka Olona, acknowledged the presence of party stakeholders and declared that the ADC remained one family, united and focused on the task ahead.
The presentation of the Alagbe-Aborisade ticket came with strong assurances from both candidates that the ADC would run a people centred government focused on development, freedom, accountability, security and economic opportunities.
Alagbe: ADC Government Will Protect Citizens, Revive Economy
Speaking after his formal presentation, the ADC governorship candidate, Dr. Gbemileke Alagbe, said his emergence was not simply about winning political office but about building a government that would put the people at the centre of governance.
Alagbe said an ADC administration would be “people-centric” and “development-centric”, with its priorities covering infrastructure, agriculture, industrialisation, employment generation, security and the protection of public assets.
⁸He assured citizens and residents that his government would not arbitrarily demolish people’s homes or allow government land and resources to be taken over by individuals and those in position of authority.
According to him, public resources must be deployed strictly for the development of the state and the benefit of its citizens.
“We are going to ensure that our state’s resources are used for the development of our state, for the benefit of the citizens of our state,” Alagbe said.
He said the administration would also improve road infrastructure and connectivity across the state, particularly linking communities and local government areas, to open up economic opportunities, facilitate movement and boost agricultural production.
Alagbe said improved transportation infrastructure would be critical to agricultural development, stressing that farmers must be able to move their produce efficiently to markets.
On unemployment, the ADC governorship candidate promised to revive industries and industrial hubs across the state, noting that several industrial areas had become inactive.
He said his administration would revive industrial activities along major economic corridors and establish or strengthen industrial hubs capable of generating employment and reducing unemployment.
Alagbe disclosed that the ADC manifesto contains about 14 major areas of focus and is contained in a document of approximately 130 pages, which he said provides a roadmap for the party’s proposed administration.
Security, Investment Central to ADC Agenda
On security, Alagbe said no economy could thrive without adequate protection of lives and property, promising that an ADC government would deploy modern technology, including drones, alongside other security measures, to strengthen security across the state.
He said creating a safe and secure environment would be essential to attracting industries, investors and other economic opportunities to Oyo State.
“We want to assure the citizens that Oyo State will be a safe state, and we are going to attract industries, attract investors and attract people who want to invest in our economy,” he said.
Alagbe: There Is No Division in ADC
Reacting to questions from journalists on reported divisions within the party, Alagbe said there was no division within the ADC, explaining that efforts had been made to reconcile competing interests even before the primary election.
He acknowledged that some members might have been aggrieved by developments surrounding the primary but appealed to them to return and work with the party.
“There is no division as far as we are concerned,” he said, urging aggrieved members to come together because, according to him, there was enough room for everyone to contribute to the growth of the party.
Alagbe said the ADC was still growing and had not yet assumed power, stressing that its immediate objective was to win the election and accommodate all interests within its fold.
“The party is still growing. We are not yet in government. We are working to be in government, and now we will accommodate all interests into our fold,” he said.
He also commended other aspirants who contested the governorship primary for their willingness to work together after the contest, describing the development as evidence that the party remained one family.
Aborisade: ‘No Power or Money Can Turn Us Into Slaves’
In his acceptance speech, the ADC running mate, Chief Niyi Aborisade, said he accepted the responsibility with humility, gratitude and a firm conviction that Oyo State was ready for a new political chapter.
Aborisade stressed that the ticket was not about personal ambition but about the people and the future of the state.
“This is not about personal ambition. It is about the people. It is about the future of Oyo State. It is about building a government that will respect the dignity, freedom and aspirations of every citizen,” he declared.
The ADC deputy governorship candidate then delivered one of the strongest political messages of the event, rejecting the influence of money and political power over citizens’ choices.
“No power or money can turn us into slaves. We are men who were born free, and we will die free,” Aborisade said.
He added: “We cannot be bought. We cannot be intimidated. We cannot be silenced. We cannot surrender our conscience for political appointments, money or temporary privileges.”
According to him, the freedom and principles of the people must not be traded for political benefits, stressing that the loyalty of the ADC ticket belonged first to the people of Oyo State.
“Our freedom is not for sale. Our principles are not negotiable. Our loyalty belongs first to the people of Oyo State,” he declared.
Aborisade said the combination of himself and Alagbe was more than an electoral ticket, describing it as a partnership built around “courage, competence, integrity and the determination to provide a great and positive change in Oyo State.”
‘We Are Coming to Serve, Not Occupy Offices’
The ADC running mate said the people of Oyo State had waited long enough for leadership that would place their interests above personal considerations.
He said an ADC government would create opportunities for young people, support farmers and traders, strengthen education and healthcare, improve infrastructure, protect lives and property and create an environment where businesses could thrive.
“We are not coming to government to occupy offices. We are coming to serve. We are coming to work. We are coming to listen. We are coming to restore hope,” he said.
Aborisade said the party wanted to demonstrate that politics could still be about ideas, sacrifice and service to humanity.
He appealed to young people in the state, saying their future must not be negotiated behind closed doors and that their talents and dreams should not be sacrificed.
“Your future must not be negotiated behind closed doors. Your talents must not be wasted. Your dreams must not be sacrificed,” he told the youths.
He also said women, farmers, artisans, traders, professionals, workers and elderly citizens were equally important stakeholders in the movement.
According to him, the ADC would not promise residents “heaven”, but would offer leadership that listens, works and remains accountable to the people.
Aborisade: 2027 Is a Choice Between ‘Politics as Usual’ and New Direction
Aborisade acknowledged that the road to the 2027 election would not be easy, warning that there could be attempts to discourage, divide or intimidate members of the movement through money and political power.
But he insisted that the ADC would remain resolute.
“We will stand. We will remain courageous. We will remain free. And we will continue to speak for the people,” he said.
He described the 2027 election as more than a contest between individuals, saying it would provide the people of Oyo State with an opportunity to determine the kind of future they wanted.
Aborisade challenged voters to choose between what he described as “politics as usual” and a new direction; leadership that serves itself and leadership that serves the people; fear and freedom; and stagnation and positive change.
“Our answer is clear. We choose freedom. We choose progress. We choose accountable leadership. We choose a new Oyo State,” he declared.
He said the ADC would therefore offer the people a credible alternative and a new vision for governance.
Aborisade concluded by pledging to work with Alagbe, party leaders, supporters and residents to take the ADC’s message of freedom, hope and positive change to every community across the state.
He declared that no power, money or intimidation would stop the movement.
“History is calling. Oyo State is calling. And we are ready to answer,” he said.
The ADC running mate further declared: “No power can enslave us. No money can buy our conscience. No intimidation can stop our march. We were born free, and we will die free.”
He ended with a rallying declaration: “The real revolutionaries are here. And together, we shall deliver the Oyo State that our people deserve.”
The party subsequently reaffirmed its determination to win the 2027 governorship election with the Alagbe-Aborisade ticket, calling on members who may have become distant following the primary to return and join hands with the leadership.
With the formal unveiling, the ADC has positioned the Alagbe-Aborisade ticket as its vehicle for pursuing what it describes as a new political direction for Oyo State, built around freedom, accountability, security, economic development and people-centred governance.
Olona also sought to dispel concerns over reported disagreements, factions within the party following its governorship primary, insisting that there would be no distraction as the party prepares for the 2027 election.
ADC… Arise and Shine.
