The South-West leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected what it described as the emergence of parallel party structures in the region, insisting that no congress conducted across the zone has received official recognition from the national leadership.
The position, which highlights growing internal tensions within the party, comes amid rival claims of leadership and competing congresses in the South-West, raising fresh concerns about unity ahead of future elections.
In a statement issued by Dr Babatunde Oke, National Director of Communication and Programmes, the leadership under Rahman Owokoniran accused certain individuals of presenting themselves as party executives without proper authorisation.
“It has come to the notice of the leadership of the African Democratic Congress, ADC South-West, under the leadership of Honourable Rahman Owokoniran of the nefarious activities of some group of strangers parading themselves as South-West executives,” the statement said.
While acknowledging citizens’ right to associate, the group warned that such actions must not undermine the party’s integrity.
“While we appreciate the right of every Nigerians to associate, such an association must not prejudice the integrity of our great party, African Democratic Congress, ADC,” it added.
The leadership referenced a directive from the party’s national headquarters, which it said suspended public presentation of newly elected state officials, questioning the legitimacy of any claims to leadership contrary to that order.
“It is in a public domain that the national leadership of African Democratic Congress ADC issued a press release, stopping any public display of the newly elected state officials across the country in ‘quote’ till a set date,” the statement noted.
“Having said that, how can a non verifiable group claim they are showcasing what has not been in the record of the party?” it queried.
The statement also faulted a claim by an individual in Osun State, Abosede Busayo Oluwaseun, who reportedly acted as a party spokesperson, describing the move as damaging to the party’s image.
“A statement credited to one Abosede Busayo Oluwaseun, who claimed he’s the Publicity Secretary of ADC in Osun State, is not only an affront on the integrity of the party, it is equally a gross violation of the party’s image and reputation. Where did he derive his power?” it said.
The leadership further alleged that parallel congresses had taken place across multiple South-West states, attributing the situation to individuals it accused of working against the party’s progress.
“Double congresses were conducted across almost all the states in the South-West owing to the unpopular and ignoble actions of this group, hell-bent on sabotaging the progress of the party in the zone,” the statement said.
It maintained that none of the congresses has been officially acknowledged by the national leadership, reinforcing its stance that any claims of legitimacy remain invalid.
The group also stressed that no individual or faction has the authority to act independently of the party’s established structure, noting that Rauf Aregbesola is not the sole authority within the party’s National Working Committee.
“No individual or group of individuals have the locus standi to dictate to the national leadership of the party. We want to reiterate again that Rauf Aregbesola is not the only member of the National Working Committee of the ADC,” the statement added.
In addition, the leadership dismissed reports of any officially sanctioned meeting held in Ibadan, stating that such a gathering did not have its approval.
“No such meeting was conveyed in Ibadan on the authority of the South-West leadership,” it said.
Reaffirming its commitment to party rules, the South-West leadership called on the national body to intervene, while urging members to act in line with the party’s principles and objectives as preparations for upcoming elections intensify.
“We are law-abiding party men and women. We work by the rules. We are guided by the laid down directives and principles commissioned by the national headquarters of the party. We will never compromise on sanity and common sense,” the statement concluded.
What You Should Know
The ADC South-West leadership has rejected the existence of parallel party structures, insisting no congress in the region has been officially recognised.
The dispute stems from competing claims to leadership and unauthorised congresses, which the group says threaten party unity. It also disowned individuals claiming executive positions without approval and called for national intervention.
The development highlights internal tensions within the ADC as opposition parties intensify preparations ahead of the 2027 elections.
