Adebiyi Adedapo, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) governorship candidate in Oyo State, has disputed claims by Adegboyega Taofeek Adegoke of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) that he is a "major candidate" in the 2027 governorship election. Adedapo described Adegoke's assertion as careless and premature, emphasizing that only the electorate can determine which parties and candidates are major. He warned against attempts by self-acclaimed "major candidates" to intimidate other contestants.
Adegoke had stated on Arise Television that he is the "beautiful bride" among candidates of the three parties he identified as major, namely APM, APC, and ADC. He claimed to be untainted by any godfather and that God Almighty is his father. Adedapo rejected this claim, stating that no candidate has the authority to declare themselves major or use such a declaration to bully other contestants. He stressed that all legally recognized political parties and duly nominated candidates are entitled to seek the people's votes.
Adedapo described Adegoke's comment as an attempt to intimidate other candidates and artificially narrow a contest in which all parties and candidates are equal. He noted that there are no major or minor political parties in the eyes of the law, only parties and candidates seeking the support of the people. The NNPP candidate emphasized that voters, not Adegoke, will decide who is major, credible, and capable of winning.
The controversy surrounding Adegoke's ADC governorship ticket has produced rival claims within the party, with aggrieved members insisting that the process that produced Adegoke remains disputed. Some ADC members have alleged that Adegoke joined the party only about two weeks before its governorship primary and subsequently obtained the ticket through a process they described as the "hijacking" of another aspirant's mandate.
Adedapo stressed that the allegation remains subject to judicial determination, adding that a candidate whose ticket is embroiled in a serious legal controversy should focus on defending the process that produced him. He warned Adegoke against attempting to bully other candidates while relying on a contentious party ticket. Adedapo urged Adegoke to prioritize defending his ticket's legitimacy rather than making claims about being a major candidate.
The NNPP candidate also emphasized that the election is still ahead and no candidate has won anything. He noted that popularity cannot be declared by fiat, and victory cannot be secured through media pronouncements. Adedapo stated that the people of Oyo State will make the final decision at the ballot box.
Adedapo urged Adegoke to stop presenting the contest as a predetermined outcome and instead focus on convincing voters of his credibility and capability to lead. The NNPP candidate reaffirmed his commitment to a fair and peaceful election, where all candidates have an equal opportunity to present their platforms and compete for votes.
Key points
- Only voters can decide major candidates in the 2027 Oyo governorship election.
- Adegoke's claim of being a "major candidate" is disputed by Adedapo.
- The legitimacy of Adegoke's ADC ticket is disputed within the party.
