Dr Gbemileke Alagbe has reaffirmed that he remains the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Oyo State, following his emergence from a recognised party primary.
Alagbe called on party members to put aside their differences and unite in the interest of the party ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Speaking with journalists in Ibadan, he said the primary that produced him was duly conducted and backed by the necessary documentation. He urged those contesting his emergence to seek redress through the appropriate party and legal channels.
He also appealed to ADC members to prioritise unity and work together to strengthen the party’s chances in the 2027 election.
According to him, attempts to challenge his candidacy through the media rather than established party and legal processes could undermine the democratic process.
He said, “Election is about process and evidence. I participated in the primary, and the process produced a result. If someone claims to have conducted another primary, where is the result? Where are the polling units? Where are the official documents?”
Alagbe said he remained confident of the ADC’s prospects in Oyo State, stressing that the party must put its internal differences behind it and build a formidable grassroots structure ahead of the election.
“There are divisions in some states, and this is not peculiar to Oyo State. We have seen similar situations in Lagos and other parts of the Southwest. However, I believe we will perform better in an atmosphere of unity, harmony and peace. We need to work together as a common front rather than as a divided party.”
The governorship candidate said the ADC was building a broad coalition involving political actors and supporters from different political backgrounds, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Labour Party.
He likened the need for broader collaboration to building a forest, saying, “You cannot build a forest with one tree. We need to work with other groups and interests to build a formidable political movement.”
Alagbe also said the ADC must learn lessons from the outcome of the recent Osun State governorship election, particularly the party’s poor performance and the loss of the polling unit of former Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola.
He said the development underscored the importance of unity and grassroots mobilisation, rather than relying solely on prominent political figures.
On his agenda for Oyo State, Alagbe said his administration would prioritise local government autonomy, infrastructure, healthcare, education, security and the protection of property rights.
He said the ADC would ensure local governments could perform their constitutional functions, adding that his administration would target the construction of at least one kilometre of road monthly in each local government during the first three years.
Alagbe also promised to revitalise primary healthcare centres by improving facilities, staffing, and access to essential drugs.
On security, he said the party would deploy technology to monitor ungoverned spaces and strengthen the state’s response to insecurity.
Speaking on the controversial demolition of houses along the corridor of the Oyo State Government’s Circular Road project, Alagbe said he supported infrastructure development but opposed demolishing homes without adequate alternatives for affected residents.
“I support the development of the Circular Road, but I do not support the demolition of people’s houses without providing alternatives,” he said.
He maintained that the government should engage property owners before demolition and provide alternative accommodation where necessary.
Alagbe also called for reconciliation among the different tendencies within the ADC, saying personal interests should not undermine the party’s chances in 2027.
“We do not need to wait until we lose an election before we start calling for unity,” he said.
He added that the party was already preparing its campaign structure and grassroots network, stressing that electoral victory required sustained mobilisation and engagement with voters across the state.