ADC Slams Makinde Over Removal of Adegoke, Atiku Billboard in Oyo

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration of illegally removing a campaign billboard belonging to its governorship candidate in the state, Chief Adegboyega Adegoke, alleging that the action was politically motivated and aimed at weakening the party’s growing influence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Adegoke made the allegation in a statement released by his media office on Saturday.

The ADC candidate claims that the billboard, which was located at Idi-Ape Junction in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, was removed by the state government without justification.

According to him, the billboard featured his photograph alongside that of the ADC’s presidential candidate, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, but was taken down and replaced with another banner carrying the images of Governor Makinde, the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) presidential candidate, and the party’s governorship candidate in Oyo State, Mr. Bimbo Adekambi.

The ADC governorship candidate described the development as unlawful, insisting that no government should use its authority to interfere with the legitimate political activities of opposition parties. He argued that the removal of campaign materials belonging to political opponents sends the wrong message about democratic governance and political tolerance.

Adegoke alleged that the action was a sign that the current administration in Oyo State had become uncomfortable with the increasing popularity of both the ADC and its presidential candidate across the state. He maintained that the alleged removal of the billboard would not discourage the party or reduce public support for its candidates.

“Such illegal act will not be tolerated and it cannot diminish the growing popularity of Oloye Adegoke and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in Ibadan and the entire Oyo State,” he said.

Adegoke added, “Is this how we want to continue to play politics in Oyo State, behaving as if we are in a banana republic?”

He also challenged Governor Makinde to focus on convincing voters instead of allegedly targeting campaign materials belonging to political rivals.

“Gov Makinde should not be jittery. He should be ready to face the electorate. As far as Oloye Adegoke and Alhaji Atiku are concerned, they are sure of victory come 2027,” he stated.

The latest accusation comes as political activities continue to intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, with parties positioning themselves for the upcoming presidential and governorship race.

The ADC has been working to strengthen its presence across several states following the conclusion of its presidential primary.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar emerged as the party’s presidential candidate after the ADC concluded the collation of results from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory in May. The results announced by the party’s returning officer, Tunde Ogbeha, showed that Atiku polled 1,855,787 votes to secure the ticket, defeating former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, who received 509,397 votes, while former banker Mohammed Hayatu-Deen garnered 180,903 votes.

Amaechi is now the party’s vice presidential candidate.

Meanwhile, Governor Makinde has also become a major figure in the 2027 presidential contest after emerging as a candidate under the platform of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).

The declaration of his intention to run for the highest office was made during a well-attended political rally at the Mapo Hall in Ibadan.

“I, Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, Excellency, announce my candidacy for the position of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Makinde was quoted to have said during the rally.