Dare Babalola
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ondo State has suspended its chairman, Wole Ademoyegun, and named former lawmaker Sola Ebiwonjumi as his replacement in a move described as part of efforts to stabilise the party.
The decision was announced on Tuesday during a press briefing at the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Akure. The event was attended by all 18 local government chairmen of the party, alongside representatives of key political blocs within the coalition.
Party leaders said the leadership change followed rising internal tensions over the party’s structure and direction. They noted that installing Ebiwonjumi was a step taken in the interest of the majority of members and aimed at repositioning the party ahead of future political activities.
The stakeholders, drawn from four major blocs within the ADC, including groups linked to Bode Ayorinde, Biodun Ambode, Nejo Myson, and Femi Johnson, expressed dissatisfaction with the former leadership. They accused Ademoyegun’s administration of frustrating efforts to build a united and effective party structure, warning that continued discord could weaken the party’s readiness for upcoming elections.
According to them, despite initial cooperation and commitment to inclusiveness, progress was repeatedly stalled by actions they described as divisive, including alleged imposition of decisions and lack of regard for collective agreements.
They said multiple reconciliation efforts failed to resolve the crisis, leaving them with no alternative but to take decisive action.
“Persistent imposition and disregard for collective decisions made meaningful progress impossible,” the leaders said, adding that the removal of the chairman was necessary to restore order and confidence within the party.
The group also called for the immediate formation of a new, inclusive State Executive Committee. They proposed that the new structure be led by Ebiwonjumi, working with local government and ward leaders to ensure fair representation across the board.
Reaffirming their commitment to rebuilding the party, the leaders said the ADC would be guided by principles of equity, transparency, and collective leadership, especially as it prepares for its forthcoming congress.
Meanwhile, a party chieftain, Johnson Ambode, dismissed suggestions of factional divisions, insisting that there is only one recognised structure of the party in the state.
He stated that the crisis had been resolved following the suspension of an individual accused of causing disunity, adding that stakeholders were now united in efforts to reposition the party.
Ambode further disclosed that the national leadership of the ADC had been informed of the development, stressing that all actions taken were in line with due process and intended to strengthen the party.
