ADC Oyo State Holds Parallel Congresses Amid Leadership Dispute

Oyo State’s African Democratic Congress (ADC) has descended into internal turmoil after rival factions held separate state congresses in Ibadan ahead of the 2027 general elections. The parallel gatherings—one at the party’s Oke Itunu office and the other at an event centre along the old Ife Road—produced competing leadership structures, deepening divisions within the opposition party.

At the Oke Itunu venue, delegates re-elected Mr Yinka Olona as state chairman, alongside Alhaji Tiamiyu Abidikugu as deputy chairman, Barrister Bimpe Adelowo as publicity secretary, and Alhaja Fatimoh Salawu as women leader. Other key appointments included Barr. Dauda Jinadu (legal adviser), Hon. James Obasa (financial secretary), Chief Ayobami Ojedokun (organising secretary), Niyi Lekan Ogunbowale (youth leader), Hon. Kazeem Abidemi Alarape (treasurer), and Dr Oke Adebowale (electoral coordinator).

The rival congress at the event centre elected Hon. Jimoh Adelowo as chairman, Remi Abidogun as deputy chairman, and zonal leaders for Oyo South (Fatai Adelakun), Oyo Central (Simeon Adegboye), and Oyo North (Alhaji Ajibade Khalid), with Daud Temitope named youth leader.

Both factions claim legitimacy, with the Olona-led executive asserting it will not allow the party to be “hijacked.” The dispute follows earlier parallel congresses at ward and local government levels, raising concerns over the ADC’s cohesion and electoral viability in Oyo State.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has yet to recognise either leadership, and political analysts warn that prolonged infighting could weaken the ADC’s position ahead of the 2027 polls.