The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ondo State has suspended its state chairman, Wole Ademoyegun, and appointed former lawmaker Sola Ebiwonjumi as his replacement in a leadership change aimed at restoring unity within the party.
The suspension of Ademoyegun was announced during a press conference held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Akure.
At the briefing, the 18 local government chairmen of the party, along with leaders of different political blocs within the coalition, spoke with journalists about the decision.
Party leaders explained that the removal of Ademoyegun was part of wider efforts to reposition the party following growing internal disagreements over its structure and direction. They added that appointing Ebiwonjumi as chairman was done in the interest of the majority of party members.
The leaders, drawn from four major blocs within the ADC, also expressed concerns about the state of the party’s leadership. The blocs include a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) group led by Bode Ayorinde, the Labour Party/Obidient Movement led by Biodun Ambode, the ADC aborigines led by Barrister Nejo Myson, and the Omoluabi Group headed by Femi Johnson.
According to them, the Ademoyegun-led leadership had weakened efforts to build a united and strong party structure, warning that such challenges could affect the party’s readiness for future political activities in Ondo State.
They stated that the four blocs that formed the coalition had earlier shown goodwill and strong commitment to building a united, inclusive, and strong party structure.
However, they alleged that their efforts were repeatedly frustrated by a faction within the party, which they accused of blocking attempts at unity, dialogue, and fair power-sharing.
They added that constant imposition and disregard for collective decisions prevented meaningful progress, leaving the coalition with no option but to take decisive action.
The leaders said that after several attempts at reconciliation and internal resolution, they decided that removing the chairman was the only way to restore order within the party.
“This persistent imposition and disregard for collective decisions have made meaningful progress impossible
“After exhausting all avenues for reconciliation, consultation, and internal resolution, we resolved to remove the chairman in order to restore order and confidence within the party,” the leaders stated.
They also called for the urgent formation of a new broad-based State Executive Committee. According to them, the new structure should be led by Ebiwonjumi in collaboration with chairmen across the 18 local government areas and ward leaders to ensure fair representation of all stakeholders.
The group also reaffirmed its commitment to rebuilding the party based on justice, equity, transparency, and collective leadership, especially as the party prepares for its upcoming congress.
“This decision is not taken lightly, but it is necessary to restore confidence and reposition the party as a credible platform for democratic participation,” the statement read.
Speaking during the briefing, a party leader, Professor Johnson Ambode, dismissed claims that the party had been divided into factions, insisting that there is only one recognised structure of the ADC in Ondo State.
He said any crisis within the party had been resolved following the suspension of a person accused of causing division.
“There is no faction in the party. The crisis has been addressed, and the person responsible has been suspended. The leadership and stakeholders have come together to reposition the party for progress,” he said.
He also confirmed that the national leadership of the party is aware of the development, adding that all actions taken followed due process and were aimed at strengthening the party.
