The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Oyo State has issued a strong call for unity and cohesion among its ranks as it begins serious preparations for the crucial 2027 governorship election. This clarion call was the central theme of an expanded stakeholders' meeting convened at the party's state office in the Mokola area of Ibadan.
Stakeholders Gather to Forge a United Front
The meeting, held on 19 January 2026, attracted a broad spectrum of party leadership. In attendance were the Oyo State Chairman, Alhaji Yinka Olona; his counterpart from Ogun State, Femi Soluade; and the Ondo State Chairman, Barrister Ayowole Ademoyegun. The gathering also included federal constituency and local government chairmen, leaders of the women and youth wings, and numerous aspirants for various political offices in the upcoming elections.
A significant highlight of the event was the prominent presence of Chief Niyi Aborisade, a respected legal practitioner and party chieftain. His attendance was seen by many members as a stabilizing force, underscoring the growing influence of the ADC's professional and reform-minded bloc within the party structure.
Aborisade's Vision: A Party of Light and Hope
Addressing the assembly as a key governorship aspirant, Chief Aborisade described the ADC as a party of "light and hope" for Oyo State. He passionately appealed for the support of all members, emphasizing that the meeting's primary goal was to consolidate the party's recent gains.
"The rationale behind the meeting is to consolidate the gains of ADC," Aborisade stated. "Those who have left their previous parties in all the 33 LGs were there. The emphasis should be on the party’s unity rather than on power brokers. We must resolve to work together to capture Oyo State for ADC and produce the next governor. To achieve this, all hands must be on deck."
Leadership Highlights Growth and Stresses Discipline
Other leaders echoed the unity message. Femi Soluade from Ogun State praised the leadership of Alhaji Olona and identified unity and discipline as indispensable tools for securing electoral victory.
For his part, Alhaji Yinka Olona showcased the party's tangible progress. He highlighted the acquisition of a permanent state office building and the successful hosting of leadership conferences and coalition meetings across Oyo. Most notably, he revealed that the party's membership has swelled to approximately 264,000 registered members statewide. He charged all stakeholders to intensify grassroots mobilization efforts in the run-up to 2027.
The meeting successfully brought together representatives from all 33 local government areas, including many former members of other political parties. A clear directive was given to shift focus from individual power brokers to the collective strength of the party. New members were instructed to actively participate at the ward level and engage in mass mobilization to register more supporters.
The Path Forward to 2027
The resolutions from the meeting were unequivocal. The ADC is positioning itself as a rapidly growing and credible alternative in Oyo State and nationally. The unanimous conclusion was that a total collaborative effort is non-negotiable for capturing the governorship seat.
The event concluded with a series of goodwill messages from party leaders and aspirants, all reaffirming their commitment to the ADC's core vision: credible governance, robust internal democracy, and unwavering grassroots mobilization. The stage is now set for a concerted push towards the 2027 elections.
