ADC crisis escalates as Ondo chapter suspends congress amid leadership tussles
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ondo State chapter has suspended its planned ward, local government, and state congresses following a directive from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as
- From Tosin Tope, Akure
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ondo State chapter has suspended its planned ward, local government, and state congresses following a directive from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the coalition-backed party’s internal crisis intensifies.
The congresses, earlier scheduled to commence on Thursday, were halted in compliance with INEC’s instruction that all factions within the party should maintain the "status quo ante bellum" pending the resolution of its lingering leadership dispute.
The decision was conveyed in a statement issued by the Ondo State Chairman of the party, Mr. Wole Ademoyegun, and a copy obtained by The Nation on Wednesday morning.
According to the statement, the party announced "the immediate suspension of all previously scheduled Ward, Local Government Area, and State Congresses," stressing that the move was in strict adherence to INEC’s directive.
The party reaffirmed its respect for INEC as the constitutional regulator of political parties, pledging commitment to due process and institutional order.
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"The African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ondo State chapter, hereby announces the immediate suspension of all previously scheduled Ward, Local Government Area, and State Congresses.
"This decision is taken in strict compliance with the directive of the Independent National Electoral Commission directing all concerned parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum," the statement stated.
"We reaffirm our unwavering respect for INEC as the constitutionally constituted regulatory authority for political parties and our firm commitment to due process and institutional order," the statement stated.
It also urged members and stakeholders to remain calm, united and law-abiding during the period, warning against actions that could undermine peace within the party.
"Accordingly, all members and stakeholders of the party are hereby enjoined to remain calm, maintain unity, and exercise the highest level of discipline during this period.
“The party strongly advises against any form of activity that may contravene the directive of INEC or disrupt the peace and order within the party," it further read.
The party, however, cautioned against unauthorised gatherings, revealing that security agencies had been alerted to forestall any breakdown of law and order.
“The ADC Ondo State Chapter remains committed to democratic principles, internal cohesion, and proper political conduct. Further updates will be communicated in line with guidance from the appropriate regulatory authorities,” the statement added.
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The development comes on the heels of INEC’s recent decision to derecognise a faction of the party linked to David Mark, based on its interpretation of a Court of Appeal judgment.
The party has been embroiled in internal disputes at the national level, particularly over the leadership tenure of its former National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu, which ended in August 2022.
In Ondo State, the crisis has also resulted in factional divisions, with Mr. Ademoyegun and Hon. Bode Ayorinde laying rival claims to the state chairmanship.
Ayorinde, reportedly aligned with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, is believed to enjoy backing from key opposition figures.
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Reacting to the suspension in an exclusive interview with The Nation, the party’s governorship candidate in the November 16, 2024, election in Ondo State, Barrister Myson Nejo, confirmed the development.
"Yes, we have suspended the congresses in Ondo in line with INEC’s directive. We will await further guidance from the National Executive Committee," he told our reporter in a chat.
Nejo described the situation as unfortunate, noting that the crisis had affected both the national and state structures of the party.
He emphasised the need to uphold the rule of law, adding that party leaders had met in Abuja and acknowledged a leadership vacuum that must be properly addressed.
"In the Ondo state chapter. We need to respect the rule of law, and that is exactly what we have done to suspend all the congress from the Wards, LG, and the State. All the chairmen have met in Abuja and have agreed that there is a vacuum, and now they want to take over their party," Nejo added.
