Oyo State’s African Democratic Congress (ADC) is currently facing significant internal strife as rival factions convened separate state congresses in Ibadan in preparation for the 2027 general elections. These parallel gatherings took place at two different locations: one at the party’s Oke Itunu office and the other at an event center along the old Ife Road. The outcome of these meetings resulted in competing leadership structures, further exacerbating divisions within the opposition party.
At the Oke Itunu venue, delegates re-elected Mr. Yinka Olona as state chairman. Alongside him, Alhaji Tiamiyu Abidikugu was appointed deputy chairman, Barrister Bimpe Adelowo became the publicity secretary, and Alhaja Fatimoh Salawu was named women leader. Other significant appointments included Barr. Dauda Jinadu as legal adviser, Hon. James Obasa as financial secretary, Chief Ayobami Ojedokun as organizing secretary, Niyi Lekan Ogunbowale as youth leader, Hon. Kazeem Abidemi Alarape as treasurer, and Dr. Oke Adebowale as electoral coordinator.
In contrast, the rival congress at the event center elected Hon. Jimoh Adelowo as chairman, with Remi Abidogun serving as deputy chairman. Zonal leaders were also appointed for Oyo South (Fatai Adelakun), Oyo Central (Simeon Adegboye), and Oyo North (Alhaji Ajibade Khalid), while Daud Temitope was named youth leader. Both factions assert their legitimacy, with the Olona-led executive emphasizing its commitment to preventing the party from being “hijacked.”
This dispute follows earlier parallel congresses at the ward and local government levels, raising serious concerns about the ADC’s cohesion and electoral viability in Oyo State. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has yet to recognize either leadership, and political analysts caution that ongoing infighting could significantly weaken the ADC’s position as it approaches the 2027 elections.
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