ADC Dumps Zoning, Vows to Pick Best Governorship Candidate for Oyo 2027

|By Chinwendu Nwani

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Oyo State has ruled out zoning in its governorship race, insisting that competence and merit will determine its flag bearer ahead of the 2027 election.

The party’s State Publicity Secretary, Bimpe Adelowo, stated this on Thursday in Ibadan, declaring that the ADC would not sacrifice quality leadership on the altar of sentiment or sectional demands.

Adelowo said the party is committed to giving all governorship aspirants a fair and transparent process that will allow the most capable candidate to emerge. According to him, zoning the ticket to any particular area, including Oke-Ogun, would be counterproductive if the eventual candidate lacks the capacity to govern effectively.

He stressed that the ADC’s priority is to present a candidate who can faithfully implement the party’s manifesto, execute sound policies and programmes, and deliver tangible dividends of democracy to residents across the state.

“Our focus is merit. We are interested in the best candidate, not a frivolous or sentimental zoning agenda. Whoever has the capacity to lead and serve the people effectively is who we want,” Adelowo said.

The party spokesman also praised Oyo residents for what he described as their resilience and civic maturity despite economic and infrastructural challenges under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led administration of Governor Seyi Makinde.

Citing the controversy surrounding the state’s circular road project, Adelowo said the situation had the potential to trigger unrest but was instead met with peaceful protests and restraint by citizens.

“The people showed remarkable discipline. There was no violence or destruction of property. That speaks volumes about their love for the state and society,” he added.

Adelowo urged residents to remain hopeful and actively participate in the political process by supporting ADC candidates across all elective positions in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.