YEMI AMODU’S “OLODO UPRISING”: ELENIYAN MEDIA TEAM FIRES BACK, CHALLENGES CLAIMS ON ADC GOVERNORSHIP CRISIS

Anyone following the unfolding issues within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) can easily identify the inconsistencies and misleading claims contained in Yemi Amodu’s latest intervention on the party’s governorship controversy.

Rather than address the substantive issues surrounding the disputed primary election, Amodu’s statement appears more focused on attacking individuals and attempting to create confusion around the facts. However, political arguments should be settled with verifiable records, established procedures and the applicable provisions of the law—not rhetoric.

One of the issues raised is the significance of a Certified True Copy (CTC). It is surprising that anyone familiar with public documentation would attempt to diminish the evidentiary value of a CTC. A Certified True Copy is an official certification by the relevant institution that a reproduced document corresponds with the record in its custody. Its authenticity and evidentiary relevance cannot simply be dismissed as though it were an ordinary document produced by an individual.

The central question, therefore, remains: Which primary election was properly conducted in accordance with the party’s guidelines and monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)?

While the Adegoke camp and its supporters have continued to make claims concerning the name allegedly appearing on the INEC portal, the more important issue is the process through which the candidate emerged.

The ADC conducted its primary election pursuant to its internal guidelines, which provide for the participation of duly recognised party structures and officials. Any group or persons claiming authority to conduct a primary must be able to establish the legal and organisational basis for such authority.

The controversy surrounding the so-called “executive-elect” structure further raises fundamental questions. What authority does an executive-elect possess to coordinate or conduct a binding party primary before becoming the duly recognised executive body?

This question becomes even more significant in view of judicial pronouncements concerning the recognised leadership structure of the party in Oyo State. The public deserves clarity on these matters rather than conflicting narratives from interested parties.

It is also important to recall that the legitimacy of any primary election intended to produce a candidate for a general election cannot be separated from the statutory requirement for INEC monitoring. Section 84(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 provides that a political party seeking to nominate candidates for elections shall hold primaries which shall be monitored by the Commission.

Accordingly, the question is straightforward: Which primary election was duly monitored by INEC, and what official record does INEC have concerning the outcome?

Our position remains that the primary that produced Dr. Gbemileke Alagbe is the validly recognised process upon which the Alagbe mandate stands. The issuance of an official Certified True Copy by INEC further strengthens the need for all parties to address the matter through verifiable institutional records rather than conjecture.

If the Adegoke camp maintains that its own primary produced the legitimate candidate, nothing prevents it from presenting the relevant official documentation and allowing the appropriate institutions and, where necessary, the courts to determine the matter.

This is not a contest of who can shout the loudest. It is a question of process, documentation, party guidelines and the law.

The people of Oyo State deserve a political process anchored on transparency, credibility and respect for democratic institutions. Attempts to distract the public with personal attacks, name-calling or political theatrics will not change the underlying facts.

The Alagbe Gbemileke mandate remains people-driven, and the Eleniyan movement will continue to engage stakeholders and citizens across Oyo State while presenting its message of good governance and responsible leadership.

Those who disagree are free to pursue every legitimate avenue available to them. Ultimately, the appropriate institutions—not propaganda—will determine the rightful outcome.

Amuda M. Bamidele for the Eleniyan Media Team