…Pledges light rail, industrial revival, security

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Oyo State, Dr.  Gbemileke Alagbe, popularly known as Eleniyan, has picked Chief Niyi Aborisade as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election, pledging to prioritise infrastructure, industrial development and security if elected.

Alagbe, who spoke at the formal presentation of Aborisade as his running mate in Bodija, Ibadan, said the ADC remained united and ready to offer Oyo State a people-centered alternative in the 2027 election.

He said the party’s administration would focus on improving the lives of residents, creating employment opportunities, and opening up the state’s economic potential.

According to him, the proposed administration would pursue a light rail project linking major cities across Oyo State to facilitate the movement of agricultural produce, stimulate economic activities and revive industrial hubs across the state.

Alagbe said the initiative would also help reduce unemployment by connecting communities and creating opportunities for businesses and young people.

He said the ADC would implement a 14-point agenda centred on development and the welfare of residents, including security, infrastructure, agriculture, employment and economic growth.

On security, the governorship candidate pledged that an ADC government would protect ungoverned spaces across the state and make Oyo one of the safest states in the country.

He also promised that the proposed administration would protect residents from arbitrary demolitions and land grabbing.

“We are not going to be agents of land grabbers. Our government will not demolish houses and take people’s land,” he said.

Alagbe described Aborisade as a fair, open and just leader and a team builder who would add value to the proposed administration.

He also dismissed concerns over divisions within the party, saying that reconciliation efforts were ongoing and that the ADC remained focused on winning the 2027 election.

“ADC is one and it has come to stay. We are putting everything behind us and we are going to win,” he said.

The ADC chairman in Oyo State, Alhaji Yinka Olona, also said the party had concluded its governorship primary in accordance with the law, with Alagbe emerging as its candidate.

Olona said the party was working to unite its members ahead of the election, adding that the reconciliation process had continued to yield positive results.

He urged members to work together, expressing confidence that the party would take over the state through the ballot in 2027.

Accepting the nomination,  Aborisade said his  position was driven by a desire to contribute to a new political direction for Oyo State rather than personal ambition.

The United Kingdom-trained lawyer pledged to work with Alagbe to build a government that would respect the dignity, freedom and aspirations of residents.

Aborisade said the ADC ticket represented a partnership based on courage, competence, integrity and commitment to public service.

“This is not about personal ambition. It is about the people. It is about the future of Oyo State. It is about building a government that will respect the dignity, freedom and aspirations of every citizen,” he said.

He declared that he and Alagbe could not be bought or intimidated, stressing that their loyalty would remain with the people of Oyo State.

Aborisade said an ADC government would focus on creating opportunities for young people, supporting farmers and traders, strengthening education and healthcare, improving infrastructure, protecting lives and property and creating an environment conducive to business.

The human rights lawyer urged Oyo residents, particularly young people, to reject political intimidation and the practice of exchanging their votes for temporary benefits.

The running mate said the 2027 election would provide residents with an opportunity to decide the kind of leadership they wanted for the state.

He called on voters to choose leaders based on competence, integrity, accountability and their ability to deliver development rather than sentiment.

Aborisade added that the ADC would take its message of freedom, hope and positive change to communities across the state ahead of the election.

He said: “No power can enslave us. No money can buy our conscience. No intimidation can stop our march. We were born free, and we will die free.”

The party leaders present at the presentation, included  the State Publicity Secretary, Hon. Adebimpe Adelowo, and others.