Excitement and celebration erupted within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Oyo State prominent Ibadan traditional chief and businessman, Taofeek Adegoke, emerged winner of the party’s governorship primary election ahead of the 2027 polls.
Party supporters, delegates and loyalists broke into jubilation immediately after the announcement of the results, chanting solidarity songs and praising Adegoke’s emergence as a new chapter for the ADC in Oyo State.
The keenly contested primary election, which attracted party stakeholders and delegates from across the state, saw Adegoke defeat other aspirants, including Adebisi Ilaka.
Announcing the results, the Chairman of the Screening Committee, Rasak Salinsile, disclosed that Adegoke polled 16,051 votes to emerge victorious, while Ilaka secured 11,415 votes. Gbemileke Alagbe came third with 241 votes.
Former Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Azeez Adeduntan, garnered 155 votes, while Niyi Aborisade polled 67 votes.
Moments after the declaration, supporters of the Ibadan chief celebrated wildly at the venue of the exercise, describing his victory as well-deserved and a reflection of the confidence party members have in his leadership capacity and vision for Oyo State.
Addressing party faithful amid cheers from supporters, Adegoke expressed gratitude to delegates and members of the party for entrusting him with the governorship ticket, describing the victory as a collective mandate to reposition the state for rapid development.
He called on members of the ADC to remain united and committed as the party intensifies mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
According to him, his administration, if elected, would prioritise infrastructural renewal, improved security, quality healthcare delivery, educational development and road rehabilitation across the state.
“Oyo State is blessed with immense human and natural resources. What is required is transparent, responsible and visionary leadership that will place the welfare of the people above personal interests,” he said.
Adegoke also appreciated the national leadership of the party, including former Senate President David Mark, former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, for their support and commitment to a transparent primary process.
He assured party leaders and supporters that he would justify the confidence reposed in him by providing credible and people-oriented leadership.
The ADC candidate further extended a hand of fellowship to other aspirants who contested the primary election, urging them and their supporters to work together for the overall success of the party in 2027.
He noted that despite the contest, all aspirants remained members of the same political family with a shared commitment to delivering good governance and repositioning Oyo State for greater development
Adegoke added that the successful conduct of the primary election reflected the internal unity, transparency and democratic culture within the ADC, expressing confidence that the party would emerge stronger ahead of the governorship election.
