Osun, Ekiti Polls: We’re battle-ready, ADC S/West caucus declares

2026-02-26 - 18:07

By Luminous Jannamike ABUJA – The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Southwest Caucus says it is fully prepared for the upcoming governorship elections in Osun and Ekiti states, signalling an early and coordinated push to strengthen its political presence in the region. The move reflects the party’s broader plan to ramp up mobilisation, tighten internal unity and position itself strongly in the two off-cycle governorship races, which party leaders see as important stepping stones toward the 2027 general election. The position was contained in a statement signed by the ADC National Director of Communication and Programmes, Dr Babatunde Oke, following a zonal executive meeting addressed by the National Vice Chairman (Southwest), Hon. Rahman Owokoniran, alongside other party leaders. Speaking at the meeting in Ibadan, Owokoniran restated the party’s commitment to aggressive membership registration, mobilisation and expansion of its support base across the Southwest. Zonal executives also resolved to deploy every available strategy to ensure the party performs strongly in both Osun and Ekiti. The meeting further stressed the need for an aggressive campaign structure, close monitoring of polling units and solid security arrangements before, during and after the elections. “Membership cards availability must be addressed, we must ensure the cards get to those that are yearning for it, No Person or group should personalise the distribution of Party’s Membership Cards as well as Registers,” Osun State Chairman, Dr Charles Omidiji, was quoted as saying. Stakeholders across the zone endorsed his position after reviewing progress made so far in membership mobilisation, registration and revalidation. Oyo State Chairman, Alhaji Yinka Olona, in his remarks, cautioned against internal divisions as the party prepares for the 2027 general election, urging members to work together in unity. He pointed to what he described as divisive tendencies by some individuals and appealed to stakeholders to close ranks in order to smooth the party’s path to Aso Rock and state government houses across the country. “The Whole Idea is to Make our Supporters Perceive ADC Gathering as unsafe,” Deputy National Financial Secretary, Hon. Rotimi George Taylor, said while raising alarm over what he termed attacks on party offices, members and notable leaders. Taylor referenced the Edo State situation involving Dr Peter Obi, Barrister Olumide Akpata and other party members, and advised the leadership to take proactive steps to prevent a recurrence. In his contribution, Ogun State Chairman, Dr Femi Soluade, commended the Southwest leadership under Owokoniran for its swift response to distress calls from the state, noting that the party has now regained its footing in Ogun. Also speaking, Dr Babatunde Oke urged the Southwest leadership to treat the party’s interest as supreme and sacred, stressing the strategic importance of the zone. He said the Southwest, described as Nigeria’s political headquarters, must deliver large vote numbers to justify its leadership among the six geopolitical zones. Responding, Owokoniran assured stakeholders of fairness within the party. “Nobody will be Inferior and nobody will be Superior,” he said.