Chief Adegboyega Adegoke, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) gubernatorial candidate for Oyo State ahead of the 2027 general elections, has raised concerns over the alleged illegal removal of his campaign billboard in Ibadan. The incident, which occurred at the Idi-Ape junction, has sparked accusations of political intimidation and undue interference by the state government. Adegoke’s media office issued a statement on Saturday detailing the removal of the billboard, which featured his image alongside that of ADC presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. The space was reportedly replaced with a banner promoting Governor Seyi Makinde, the APM presidential candidate, and Mr. Bimbo Adekambi, the APM governorship candidate in Oyo State.
Adegoke condemned the action as unlawful and a clear violation of electoral rights and freedoms. He emphasized that the removal was not carried out through proper legal channels and questioned the legitimacy of such actions in a democratic society. He further alleged that the current administration is unnerved by the rising popularity of Atiku Abubakar, a former vice president and prominent political figure in Nigeria. According to Adegoke, the state government’s actions reflect a lack of confidence in facing the electorate fairly and openly.
In his statement, Adegoke warned that such conduct would not be tolerated and stressed that it would not diminish the growing support for him and Atiku across Ibadan and the wider Oyo State. He challenged Governor Makinde to face the people directly, rather than resorting to what he described as undemocratic tactics. “Is this how we want to continue to play politics in Oyo State, behaving as if we are in a banana republic?” Adegoke asked, highlighting his concern for the integrity of the political process. He expressed confidence that both he and Atiku would emerge victorious in the 2027 elections, regardless of attempts to suppress their visibility.
The incident has drawn attention to the growing tension between political parties in Oyo State as the 2027 elections approach. Campaign activities are intensifying, and the placement of billboards and banners remains a key strategy for reaching voters. The removal of Adegoke’s billboard raises questions about the enforcement of electoral regulations and the fairness of campaign spaces. While the state government has not yet responded publicly to the allegations, the incident underscores the need for transparent and impartial oversight during the pre-election period.
As the political landscape in Oyo State continues to evolve, candidates and their supporters are closely monitoring developments that could influence voter perception and campaign momentum. The case of Adegoke’s billboard may serve as a litmus test for how electoral laws are upheld in the lead-up to the 2027 polls.
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