Stakeholders, members, and supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Oyo State have rejected the outcome of the party’s governorship primary election held on May 22, 2026, demanding an immediate review and restoration of what they described as the “stolen mandate” of Chief Luqman Oyebisi Ilaka.
The position was contained in a communiqué issued on Wednesday and read by Architect Barshir Aremu Lawal, popularly known as Bash, who is the ADC leader in Saki West Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Addressing journalists on behalf of concerned stakeholders, party executives, youth leaders, women leaders, ward representatives, and supporters of the party across the 33 local government areas of the state, Lawal said the declared result of the primary election did not reflect the true wishes of party members.
According to him, consultations and meetings held across the state showed overwhelming support for Chief Oyebisi Ilaka, whom he described as the preferred candidate of party faithful due to his political experience, grassroots appeal, acceptability, and leadership qualities.
The stakeholders maintained that Ilaka, a former Chief of Staff to Governor Seyi Makinde and the Ladilu of Oyo Kingdom, won in 29 out of the 33 local government areas during the exercise.
They alleged that the officially declared outcome contradicted reports gathered from party structures, local government executives, youth leaders, women leaders, ward officers, and other stakeholders who participated in the process.
“The announced result does not represent the genuine outcome of the gubernatorial primary election conducted in Oyo State,” the communiqué stated.
“The outcome is inconsistent with the democratic principles, transparency, fairness, and internal party democracy which the ADC has consistently preached and promised Nigerians.”
The aggrieved stakeholders insisted that the majority of ADC members across Oyo State recognise Chief Ilaka as the rightful winner of the governorship primary election and vowed to present evidence before any appeal, reconciliation, or investigative panel set up by the national leadership of the party.
They warned that failure to address the grievances raised by party members could weaken the confidence of grassroots supporters and affect the party’s electoral fortunes ahead of the 2027 general election.
The group therefore called on the National Working Committee (NWC) and National Executive Committee (NEC) of the ADC to immediately review the outcome of the primary election and constitute an independent panel to investigate complaints arising from the exercise.
They also demanded that testimonies from stakeholders and party executives across the affected local government areas be heard while urging the party leadership to uphold justice, fairness, and the supremacy of the party constitution.
The communiqué added that correcting what it described as an injustice would strengthen unity, confidence, and the future electoral success of the ADC in Oyo State.
The stakeholders further urged the national leadership of the party to seize the opportunity to demonstrate that the ADC is different from other political parties by standing on the side of truth, justice, and democratic principles.
Reacting to the development, Chief Luqman Oyebisi Ilaka appreciated party members and supporters across the state for standing by him and remaining committed to the ideals of democracy and fairness.
Ilaka said he remained confident that the leadership of the ADC would carefully review the concerns raised by stakeholders and ensure that justice prevails in the interest of the party and democracy.
“Our commitment remains the progress of the ADC and the future of Oyo State. I believe the party leadership will do what is right and ensure fairness for all,” he said.
