The African Democratic Congress (ADC), Oyo State Chapter, has declared that it will not participate in the forthcoming local government elections in the state, describing individuals parading themselves as its candidates in Oluyole Local Government Area as impostors.
The party also disowned Hon. Dr. Adio Kolawole, who was reportedly presented as its chairmanship candidate in Oluyole, alongside Hon. Mrs. Akinloye Motunrayo Ganiyat, identified as his running mate, and other individuals purportedly listed as councillorship candidates.
The ADC made its position known in a press statement dated October 28, 2026, signed by its State Publicity Secretary, Chief Rotimi Johnson Ojasope.
According to the statement, the party has neither nominated nor sponsored any candidate for the forthcoming local government election and has not submitted any candidate’s name to the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC).
“For the avoidance of doubt, Hon. Dr. Adio Kolawole is not recognised as a member or candidate of the ADC in Oyo State,” the statement declared.
The party maintained that neither Kolawole nor the individuals reportedly parading themselves as ADC candidates in Oluyole had the endorsement or authorisation of its recognised leadership.
It expressed suspicion that the alleged impersonation might be part of a politically sponsored arrangement intended to create the impression that opposition parties were participating in the election.
The ADC further challenged the ruling party to demonstrate its confidence in the credibility of the electoral process, arguing that there should be no need to present unauthorised individuals as opposition candidates.
The party called on OYSIEC to explain how the names of the purported ADC candidates appeared on its published list, insisting that its recognised leadership neither conducted primaries nor submitted nominations for the election.
It also warned the electoral commission and the general public against treating any nomination made in the party’s name without the authorisation of its recognised leadership as authentic.
The statement urged genuine ADC members, particularly those in Oluyole and across the 33 local government areas of Oyo State, to disregard the purported announcement and distance themselves from anyone falsely claiming to represent the party in the forthcoming poll.
“Our party’s name, identity and political integrity are not for hire, and we will not permit desperate political interests to use the ADC as a convenient instrument for legitimising a questionable electoral exercise,” the statement added.
Reaffirming its commitment to the 2027 general elections, the party said it remained focused, united and determined to protect its identity and legitimate political interests.
The statement concluded with a categorical declaration: “ADC IS NOT PARTICIPATING. ADC HAS NO CANDIDATE. LET THE PUBLIC BEWARE!”
