Oyo State 2027 governorship hopeful and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Barrister Chief Niyi Aborisade, has declared that he has never collected money, favours, or contracts from Governor Seyi Makinde or the Oyo State Government, insisting that this gives him the moral courage to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) without fear of consequences.
Aborisade, a United Kingdom–based legal practitioner, made this disclosure while featuring on the popular Yoruba political programme, “Òsèlú Àwarawa,” aired on Dominion FM 106.1, Ibadan.
According to him, his decision to dump the PDP for the ADC was borne out of deep dissatisfaction with what he described as unresolved, controversial leadership crises and the domination of the party by “power-drunk leaders.”
“I did not leave PDP because of personal ambition alone. I left because the party has failed to resolve its internal contradictions. The PDP in Oyo State has met its Waterloo,” Aborisade declared.
He described the decision as a difficult but necessary step, adding that remaining in a party where impunity thrives would amount to betraying his conscience and political ideals.
The ADC chieftain further stated that throughout his stay in the PDP, he personally financed party activities without receiving any financial benefit in return.
Recalling events ahead of the 2023 general elections, Aborisade revealed that he purchased nomination forms to contest for the House of Representatives under the PDP but was later compelled, alongside other aspirants, to step down for a preferred candidate allegedly imposed by higher authorities within the party.
“We were promised refunds of our campaign expenses, but I deliberately refused to collect a single kobo from anyone. My politics has never been about personal enrichment,” he said.
Explaining his choice of ADC, Aborisade said he was attracted by the party’s internal structure, which he believes offers level playing ground, transparency, and equal opportunity for all aspirants.
He assured party members and supporters that even if he does not secure the ADC governorship ticket, he would remain loyal to the party, provided the process is free, fair, and credible.
“As long as there is honesty, accountability, and transparency, I am ready to support whoever emerges. However, I am confident that ADC will entrust me with the flag for 2027,” he added.
Responding to a caller who asked whether he would defect again if denied the party’s ticket, Aborisade firmly ruled out such a move, stressing that his loyalty is tied to principles, not desperation for power.
The governorship aspirant called on Oyo State indigenes and Nigerians at large to give the ADC a chance, arguing that the electorate has already seen what both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the PDP have to offer.
On the lingering controversy surrounding the Circular Road project, Aborisade promised that if elected governor in 2027, his administration would prioritise the welfare of affected residents and ensure humane treatment and adequate compensation.
While acknowledging Governor Makinde’s achievements in road construction and rehabilitation across the state, he criticised what he described as a land-grabbing approach to the Circular Road project.
“Development must not come at the expense of the people. Compensation and human dignity must be central to governance,” he said.
Aborisade concluded by reaffirming his commitment to people-centred leadership, accountability, and inclusive governance, noting that Oyo State deserves a government that listens, cares, and acts justly.
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