By Omobolaji Adekunle
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ogun State has plunged into a deep internal crisis after parallel congresses produced two separate leadership factions, each laying claim to legitimacy.
The party, which had positioned itself as a strong alternative following the decline of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is now grappling with internal disputes as opposition figures continue to defect from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In Ogun, tensions escalated on April 11 when two separate congresses were held simultaneously at different venues in Abeokuta.
One faction re-elected Femi Soluade as state chairman, an exercise supervised by Moshood Salvador.
Simultaneously, another congress took place at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, where a separate executive emerged under Emmanuel Famojuro.
This second exercise was overseen by a national committee led by Olatunji Soyinka, who declared the process valid.
Following the parallel exercises, the Famojuro-led faction accused Soluade of undermining party growth. Deputy National Financial Secretary Oladimeji Fabiyi criticized the Soluade-led leadership, alleging it weakened the party’s structure.
The Soluade also rejected the legitimacy of the parallel congress, describing it as a kangaroo election and insisting he remains the duly recognized chairman.
The party’s publicity secretary, Olumide Onabajo whose name appeared on both lists eventually announced his alignment with the Famojuro-led group, marking a significant shift in the ongoing power struggle.