Ogun ADC in crisis as two Chairmen emerge

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 ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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).

What was initially conceived as a broad coalition to challenge the administration of Bola Tinubu has instead devolved into a struggle over party control, with similar crises reported in multiple states.

In Ogun, tensions escalated on April 11 when two separate congresses were held simultaneously at different venues in Abeokuta.

One faction, which met at the party secretariat, re-elected Femi Soluade as state chairman alongside other executives. The congress was supervised by Moshood Salvador, while the oath of office was administered by the state legal adviser, Femi Aina.

At the same time, another congress took place at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, where a separate executive emerged under Emmanuel Famojuro as chairman. The exercise was overseen by a national committee led by Olatunji Soyinka, who declared the process valid and in line with party guidelines.

Soyinka maintained that the congress he supervised reflected the consensus of party stakeholders and insisted that its outcome remained final.

Following the parallel exercises, the Famojuro-led faction accused Soluade of undermining party growth and blocking prospective aspirants ahead of the next election cycle. The group also referenced earlier disputes, including the suspension of Jimi Lawal by Soluade in February over alleged anti-party activities.

The suspension had triggered backlash within the party, with a counter-statement nullifying the action and accusing Soluade of violating constitutional procedures. He was, in turn, briefly suspended before being reinstated days later amid calls for reconciliation.

Speaking after the congress, Deputy National Financial Secretary Oladimeji Fabiyi criticised the Soluade-led leadership, alleging it weakened the party’s structure and discouraged credible aspirants.

However, Soluade rejected the legitimacy of the parallel congress, describing it as a “kangaroo election” and insisting he remains the duly recognised chairman of the party in the state. He denied the existence of any faction, maintaining that the party structure under his leadership remains intact and aligned with national directives.

He also dismissed suggestions of division as attempts to destabilise the party, stressing that strategic decisions taken by his camp should not be interpreted as weakness.

In a further twist, the party’s publicity secretary, Olumide Onabajo, whose name appeared on the list of executives produced by both factions, announced his alignment with the Famojuro-led group.

Onabajo said his decision followed consultations and careful consideration of the situation within the party, citing a lack of support from the Soluade-led leadership despite his longstanding contributions.

The development is seen as a significant shift in the ongoing power struggle, as both camps continue to assert control over the party structure in Ogun State.