By Lateef Odegbenle
Oyo, Jan. 8, 2026 —
A leading governorship aspirant on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Oyo State, Gbemileke Alagbe, popularly known as Eleniyan, has declared that the party is open to receiving Governor Seyi Makinde should he decide to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), but warned that such a move must respect the existing structures of the ADC in the state.
Eleniyan made this known on Thursday while addressing journalists in Ibadan, amid growing political speculation surrounding Governor Makinde’s future in the PDP and persistent rumours linking him with possible moves to other political platforms ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to Eleniyan, the ADC in Oyo State is a well-organised political family with established ward, local government and state executive structures that must not be undermined by any new entrant, regardless of political influence.
“If Governor Seyi Makinde chooses to join the ADC, he will be warmly welcomed as a brother and stakeholder in the democratic process,” Eleniyan said. “However, he must recognise and respect the existing structures of the party across wards, local governments and the state. Any attempt to sideline or dissolve these structures will be resisted.”
The governorship hopeful emphasised that the ADC is not a “one-man political platform,” but a party founded on internal democracy, fairness, and grassroots participation.
“ADC is not for political hijacking. We believe in due process, consultation and respect for party supremacy. Our structures were not built overnight and must be acknowledged by anyone coming into the party,” he added.
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Makinde and Defection Speculation
Governor Makinde, who was re-elected in 2023 on the platform of the PDP, has been the subject of intense political speculation in recent months over a possible defection, particularly following internal tensions within the party at the national level.
However, the governor has repeatedly dismissed such rumours, insisting he remains a loyal member of the PDP and is focused on governance in Oyo State.
Despite these denials, the speculation has continued to fuel political realignments and positioning across party lines in the state.
Who Is Eleniyan?
Gbemileke Alagbe, widely known as Eleniyan, is a Chartered Investment Banker, business mogul and philanthropist. He is the founder of a non-governmental initiative focused on girl-child education, which has supported access to education for young girls across several states in Nigeria.
Within the ADC, Eleniyan is regarded as a strong grassroots mobiliser and a vocal advocate for issue-based politics, youth inclusion and social investment. His governorship ambition, according to party insiders, is anchored on economic empowerment, education reform and ethical leadership.
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As political permutations intensify in Oyo State ahead of 2027, Eleniyan’s remarks underscore the growing relevance of alternative political platforms and ongoing debates over power, structure and party loyalty in Nigeria’s evolving democratic space.
