The controversy over the authentic governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Oyo State has taken a new turn following the confirmation of Adegboyega Taofeek Adegoke by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

INEC published Adegoke’s Form EC9 alongside those of other governorship candidates on its official website in the early hours of Saturday, effectively settling the dispute over who will represent the ADC in the forthcoming governorship election.

The development is expected to shift attention within the party from the prolonged controversy over its ticket to preparations for the election and efforts to consolidate its support base across the state.

Reacting to the confirmation, Adegoke appealed to other aspirants and their supporters to put aside their differences and work with him toward securing victory for the ADC.

He urged party members to respect both the decision of the party and INEC’s position, while calling on supporters to remain calm and united.

Adegoke said the party must now focus on mobilisation and winning the confidence of voters across Oyo State rather than prolonging internal disagreements.

“We, therefore, urge all other aspirants and their supporters to desist forthwith from any further misrepresentations and to respect the decision of the party and the position of INEC.

“We call on our members, supporters and the good people of Oyo State to remain calm, united and focused as we mobilise ahead of the elections,” he said.

The Oyo governorship election is among the elections scheduled to hold across 28 states, with political parties expected to intensify their campaigns and mobilisation ahead of the polls.

With INEC’s publication of Adegoke’s name, attention is now likely to turn to whether the ADC can successfully reconcile its different camps and present a united front in the race for the Oyo State Government House.