ADC accuses Makinde administration of removing Adegoke, Atiku campaign billboard in Oyo

ADC accuses Makinde administration of removing Adegoke, Atiku campaign billboard in Oyo

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the administration of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde of removing a campaign billboard featuring the party’s governorship candidate, Chief Adegboyega Adegoke, and presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, describing the action as an attack on political competition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The allegation was made by Adegoke in a statement issued through his media office, where he claimed that the billboard, located at Idi-Ape Junction in Ibadan, was removed without prior notice or legal justification.

According to the ADC governorship candidate, the campaign billboard displayed his image alongside that of Atiku Abubakar before it was allegedly taken down and replaced with another political advertisement. Adegoke argued that the action amounted to an attempt to suppress the visibility of opposition candidates in Oyo State.

He maintained that no democratic government should interfere with the lawful political activities of rival parties, stressing that campaign materials should only be removed where they violate established regulations or safety standards.

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Adegoke said the alleged removal of the billboard would not weaken the party’s resolve or diminish public support for the ADC, insisting that the party’s popularity continued to grow across Oyo State as preparations for the next general election gathered momentum.

The ADC chieftain further urged Governor Makinde to focus on presenting his administration’s achievements and political agenda to voters rather than engaging in actions that could be perceived as restricting the activities of opposition parties.

He argued that healthy political competition should be determined by the electorate at the polls rather than through actions capable of limiting equal campaign opportunities for all contestants.

The controversy comes amid increasing political activities ahead of the 2027 elections, with major political parties intensifying consultations, grassroots mobilisation and campaign preparations across the country.

The ADC has continued efforts to strengthen its structures nationwide following the emergence of Atiku Abubakar as the party’s presidential candidate. The party has also stepped up mobilisation in several states, including Oyo, where Adegoke is leading its governorship campaign.

Political analysts note that disputes over campaign materials are not uncommon during election cycles and have repeatedly prompted calls for electoral authorities and relevant state agencies to ensure a level playing field for all political parties.

They also stressed the importance of protecting freedom of political expression and ensuring that disputes relating to campaign materials are resolved in accordance with the law rather than through unilateral actions.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Oyo State Government nor Governor Makinde’s media office had issued an official response to the allegation that the billboard was removed on the government’s instruction.

The latest development is expected to add to the growing political exchanges ahead of the 2027 elections, as parties continue to position themselves for what observers believe will be one of Nigeria’s most competitive electoral contests.

ADC accuses Makinde administration of removing Adegoke, Atiku campaign billboard in Oyo