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2019: Who gets Oyo ADC governorship ticket?
African Democratic Congress (ADC) is among the recently registered political parties by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The party was believed to be conceptualized, organised and formed by former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and some of his political associates.
Since the formation of the party in the country, ADC has continued to woo some political big wigs in order to make the party relevant ahead of the 2019 elections.
In Oyo state, ADC is now considered by people as a formidable opposition even ahead of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) .
Although, the party is currently battling with challenges following its recently concluded congresses which prompted the Unity Forum, a breakaway faction of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo state that formally joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC)
to call for nullification of the whole exercise. The Unity Forum had earlier alleged former governor Rashidi Ladoja and Chief Michael Koleoso of imposing their loyalists as key executive members of the party .
Meanwhile, this report will critically examine the chances of the ADC governorship aspirants ahead of its governorship primary.
SOLAN for Governor
Senator Solagbade Olufemi Lanlehin is a complete gentle man and grassroot politician who understands the politics of the state.
He was elected Senator for Oyo South Senatorial District in 2011 running on the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) platform but later defected to the Accord Party (AP) in the build up to the 2015 general elections under the tutelage of his political father and former governor of the state, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja.
The University of Nigeria trained lawyer also contested under the platform of the Accord Party (AP) in 2015 for his second attempt and lost the most populated Senatorial district in the state – Oyo South Senatorial District to the present occupant, Senator Adesoji Akanbi of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The lawyer turned politician was Special Assistant to Governor Bola Tinubu early in his first term in office.
Senator Lanlehin is among the major governorship aspirants that have the political experience to govern the state if given the mandate. In fact, he looks good to clinch the ticket of his party aims at occupying the plum seat.
Strengths & Weaknesses
The cordial relationship between Senator Lanlehin and High Chief Ladoja is a plus for him, while he may also enjoy ‘solidarity support’ from members of the Unity Forum based on past political relationship as an ex- ‘Lamist’, a political faith named after late governor Lam Adesina. But some leaders in the party may disagree over his choice.
Also, Lanlehin lacks the financial muscle to pursue his guber ambition to a logical conclusion.
Dr Yunus Akintunde
Alhaji Yunus Akintunde, was a former commissioner for works in Oyo state during the first term of Governor Abiola Ajimobi and later appointed as Executive Assistant to the Governor.
During his reign as the state commissioner for Works and Transport, some projects were executed such as roads either by direct or indirect labour.
Akintunde recently bagged his PhD at the premier University of Ibadan (UI) thus adding another feather to his political aspiration and educational attainment.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Dr Yunus Akintunde is from Oyo town comprising four local governments. The former council boss of Oyo West Local Government is the only aspirant from Oyo zone who has expressed interest in the Agodi Government House job. He’s representing the ‘Oyo Agenda’.
As an experienced politician, and former council gaffer, he may enjoy a wide grassroots appeal. Though, well connected, but his political aspiration is expected to be more challenging due to the ‘Ibadan factor’ that must be critically observed and filled; while lack of political awareness, a key component in empathy, which in turn is part of Emotional Intelligence (EI) is another factor that must not be neglected.
His inability to reach out to the wards, local government areas may also affect his aspiration.
Sarafa Alli for Governor
Barrister Sarafadeen Abiodun Alli is an Ibadan Senior Chief who is very familiar with the political terrain of the state.
The political veteran, Alli has wide political experience having served as Council Chairman,Chairman, Odua Group of Company, Secretary to the State Government .
No doubt, he’s qualified to clinch the ADC governorship ticket.
Strengths & Weaknesses
The former President, Ajorosun Club is a socialite that commands the grassroots especially in his local government which is an added advantage for him. Few weeks ago, the political strategist also engaged in an aggressive campaign which has positively boosted his chances.
Aside, last minute alliance which may not favour his aspiration, the former SSG lacks the financial muscle to prosecute his guber ambition.
To be continued…
A former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Chief Moses Alake Adeyemo, has been sworn in as the Chairman of the Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), urging members of the party to rally support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Adeyemo formally assumed office on Friday following the inauguration of the newly elected State Executive Committee members who will manage the affairs of the party in the state for the next four years.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the party’s State Secretariat in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, marked the climax of the party’s 2026 congresses in the state.
The South-West Zonal Legal Adviser of the APC, Kolawole Majaro, administered the oath of office on Adeyemo and 35 other members of the State Executive Committee.
The executives had emerged through a consensus arrangement during the March 3, 2026 state congress held at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan, under the supervision of a committee led by Amos Gombi from the APC National Secretariat in Abuja.
In his acceptance speech, Adeyemo described his emergence as a renewed call to service, pledging to strengthen the party and sustain unity among members.
He appreciated party leaders within and outside the state for ensuring a smooth and successful congress process.
Adeyemo also commended members of the Local Organising Committee, particularly Fatai Ibikunle and Afeez Bolaji Repete, for their contributions to the success of the exercise.
He said, “This new State Executive Committee under my leadership is being put in place to add value and strengthen our great party in view of the challenges ahead.
“We have used the opportunity of the congresses to showcase our collective commitment to unity and harmony as progressives and democrats.”
The new chairman expressed optimism that the atmosphere of peace within the party would be sustained ahead of future party primaries and the 2027 elections.
According to him, the party’s target is to secure 90 per cent of the votes in Oyo State for President Tinubu while also reclaiming the state’s Government House in 2027.
Adeyemo praised the President’s leadership, saying the administration was delivering on its promises.
“President Tinubu is, no doubt, performing beyond our expectations and the best way to appreciate his good work is to retain him in Aso Rock until 2031,” he said.
“Against all odds, the President is pursuing his Renewed Hope Agenda with vigour and passion, while the positive results are being felt across sectors of the economy and national life.”
Other members of the newly inaugurated executive include Taofeek Lamidi as Deputy Chairman, Fatai Adesina as State Secretary, Adekemi Opatunde as Woman Leader, Olawale Sadare as Publicity Secretary, Olalekan Oladejo as Youth Leader, and Remi Adepoju as Organising Secretary.
Also inaugurated were Ajiboye Akinsanya as Treasurer, Sunday Aborisade as Legal Adviser, Tinuade Adigun as Auditor, Lukman Owonikoko as Assistant State Secretary, Fatimah Hassan as Deputy Woman Leader, and Jimoh Osundara as the Leader of Persons Living With Disabilities, among others.
The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.
The notice was presented yesterday during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the action follows Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dala said the allegations stem from Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government (2023–2024) and his current role as deputy governor. He accused the deputy governor of diverting funds meant for the 44 local government councils.
According to the majority leader, Abdussalam allegedly received N1.5 million monthly from each council between June 2023 and January 2024, totaling N462 million. Between February and July 2024, he allegedly collected N3.255 million monthly from each council under the guise of special assignments, amounting to N726 million.
Dala also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office, claiming he facilitated payments of N10 million from each council to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, totaling N440 million, in violation of state procurement laws.
“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and undermines public trust,” Dala told lawmakers, adding that the allegations amount to gross misconduct under the Constitution.
The impeachment notice was reportedly endorsed by 38 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional threshold to proceed. The Speaker has acknowledged receipt, and the House is expected to serve the allegations on the deputy governor.
If approved, a panel may be constituted by the state Chief Judge to investigate the claims.
As of filing, Abdussalam had yet to respond publicly to the allegations.
The Senator representing Bayelsa West, Seriake Dickson, on Thursday announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declaring that he had joined the newly registered Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
Dickson, a former governor of Bayelsa State, made the announcement during a media briefing in Abuja, attributing his decision to what he described as irreconcilable differences within the PDP.
The lawmaker said the emergence of the NDC would strengthen Nigeria’s democratic system by providing a credible opposition platform.
According to him, the party recently received its certificate of registration from the Independent National Electoral Commission.
He said, “Last week INEC issued a certificate of registration and we now have the newest party in Nigeria known as the Nigeria Democratic Congress and our symbol is victory, the victory sign.
“So, my dear Nigerians, you now have a credible alternative opposition party known as the Nigeria Democratic Congress.”
Dickson noted that although the party’s registration took longer than expected, its eventual approval was a welcome development for the country’s democratic landscape.
“Yes, it is coming at this time. We would have wished it started some years or months back. We don’t control INEC and their processes; they delayed. We don’t also control the judiciary, but thank God it has finally arrived,” he said.
The senator also stressed that Nigeria’s democracy must not slide into a one-party system, insisting that political diversity remained vital for national stability.
“This nation cannot be a one-party state. Nigeria cannot be a one-party state. Nigeria is not designed to be a one-party state.
“We are a very diverse nation culturally, religiously and politically and that is the beauty of our country.
“So anyone or any party promoting one-party rule in Nigeria is mistaken. We build political parties and get involved in movements to access power for the good of the people, not for our personal benefit,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission recently announced the registration of two new political parties.
The parties are the Democratic Leadership Alliance and the Nigeria Democratic Congress, bringing the total number of registered political parties in Nigeria to 21.
The announcement was made by the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, during the commission’s first quarterly consultative meeting with political party stakeholders for 2026.
According to him, the Democratic Leadership Alliance completed the required verification process, while the Nigeria Democratic Congress was registered in compliance with a Federal High Court order.
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