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, calling for an immediate review of the process and restoration of what they described as the “stolen mandate” of Chief Luqman Oyebisi Ilaka.
The stakeholders made their position known in a communiqué issued on Wednesday and read by the ADC leader in Saki West Local Government Area of the state, Architect Barshir Aremu Lawal.
Addressing journalists on behalf of party executives, youth leaders, women leaders, ward representatives, and supporters across the 33 local government areas of Oyo State, Lawal alleged that the declared result of the primary election did not reflect the actual preference of party members.
He stated that consultations and meetings held across the state indicated overwhelming support for Chief Ilaka, whom he described as the preferred candidate of ADC members due to his political experience, grassroots acceptance, leadership qualities, and wide appeal.
The stakeholders claimed 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 primary election.
They alleged that the officially announced outcome was contrary to information gathered from party structures, local government executives, ward officers, youth and women leaders, and other stakeholders who participated in the exercise.
“The announced result does not represent the genuine outcome of the governorship primary election conducted in Oyo State,” the communiqué stated.
“The outcome is inconsistent with the democratic principles of transparency, fairness, and internal party democracy which the ADC has consistently promoted.”
The aggrieved stakeholders maintained that the majority of ADC members across Oyo State recognise Chief Ilaka as the rightful winner of the primary election, adding that they are prepared to present evidence before any appeal, reconciliation, or investigative panel constituted by the national leadership of the party.
They warned that failure to address the grievances could undermine the confidence of grassroots supporters and negatively affect the party’s chances ahead of the 2027 general election.
The group therefore urged the National Working Committee (NWC) and National Executive Committee (NEC) of the ADC to urgently review the outcome of the primary and constitute an independent panel to investigate the allegations raised.
They also demanded that testimonies from party executives and stakeholders across the affected local government areas be considered, while calling on the leadership to uphold justice, fairness, and the supremacy of the party constitution.
The communiqué stressed that correcting what the stakeholders described as an injustice would promote unity, rebuild confidence, and strengthen the future prospects of the ADC in Oyo State.
The group further appealed to the national leadership of the party to use the opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to truth, justice, and democratic values.
Reacting to the development, Chief Luqman Oyebisi Ilaka expressed appreciation to party members and supporters across the state for their support and commitment to democratic principles.
Ilaka said he remained confident that the ADC leadership would carefully examine the concerns raised and ensure that justice prevailed in the interest of the party and the people of Oyo State.
“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.
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