The National Working Committee (NWC) of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has replaced Dr Bamidele Ajadi’s name with that of Senator Olufemi Lanlehin as its gubernatorial candidate for the 2019 elections.
Insideoyo.com had earlier reported that Ajadi’s name for dropped as tentative gubernatorial candidate of the party so as to meet INEC submission deadline following the initial stalemate over who should fly the party’s flag.
The new development sparked jubilation among supporters and members of ADC, as the news that Lanlehin’s name had been taken to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the real governorship candidate of the party filtered through the state.
Ajadi, who is the national vice chairman of the party confirmed the development to Nigerian Tribune, saying that Lanlehin’s name had been sent to INEC as the authentic ADC governorship candidate in the state for 2019 election.
“It is true that Senator Olufemi Lanlehin has replaced Dr Bamidele Ganiyu Ajadi as ADC governorship candidate for 2019 election in Oyo State. Senator Olufemi Lanlehin’s name is now with the INEC headquarters in Abuja,” Nigerian Tribune quoted him as saying.
The development, it was gathered, followed the conclusion of processes connected to the substitution of candidates, though the substitution window, according to INEC guidelines, remains open till December 1.
It was learnt that the speedy conclusion of Lanlehin’s name substitution allayed fears being expressed among party faithful.
While reacting to the development, Media Assistant to Lanlehin, Mr Damola Adeoye, said calm had returned to the ADC family since the substitution was successfully done, expressing the thankfulness of Lanlehin to ADC national and state leaders, members and his supporters across the 33 local government councils of the state for their support at all the stages of the nomination process.
The media aide said the victory would allow the gubernatorial candidate and ADC to now concentrate efforts on electioneering campaign and strategy, assuring that the journey to electoral victory had begun.
