The African Democratic Congress (ADC), which aimed to establish itself as the “Second Force” and a viable alternative for prominent politicians following the collapse of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is currently embroiled in an internal crisis. What was intended to be a robust coalition to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Bola Tinubu-led administration has instead devolved into a bitter struggle over tenure disputes and allegations of “hijacked” party structures. This crisis has significantly impacted states across the Federation, including Ogun State, where the party is now divided into two distinct factions, each asserting constitutional legitimacy.

In Ogun State, this internal conflict manifested in two parallel congresses held simultaneously on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at different locations, despite both factions claiming allegiance to the same national leadership under David Mark. One congress, held at the party’s secretariat in Abeokuta, saw the re-election of Femi Soluade as chairman, with Babatunde Adedeji as deputy, Agbebiyi Olusoji as secretary, and Olumide Onabajo as publicity secretary, among 18 other officials. This congress was chaired by Moshood Salvador and the swearing-in ceremony was conducted by Barrister Femi Aina, the state legal adviser.

Concurrently, a rival congress took place at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta. This parallel event was supervised by national officials, including the Chairman of the Congress Committee, Hon. Olatunji Soyinka, the Deputy National Financial Secretary, Hon. Oladimeji Fabiyi, and other national ex-officio members. This congress produced 56 state officers, with Emmanuel Famojuro emerging as the state’s party chairman, Adebanjo Olalekan as deputy, Soaga Akintoye as secretary, and notably, Olumide Onabajo again listed as the publicity secretary. The congress chairman, Soyinka, asserted that this congress was conducted in accordance with party guidelines and constitution, and presented a harmonized list reflecting the agreement of party leaders.

The Famojuro-led faction has accused Femi Soluade of actively undermining the party’s growth and preventing potential aspirants from joining the ADC ahead of the 2027 general elections. Earlier events contributed to this rift; on February 14, Soluade had announced the suspension of Jimi Lawal over alleged anti-party activities and unveiled a caretaker committee. However, the very next day, a rejoinder signed by Olumide Onabajo, then publicity secretary, nullified Lawal’s suspension and passed a vote of no confidence in Soluade, suspending him for allegedly disrupting Lawal’s event with armed thugs. The rejoinder emphasized that the state chairman lacks unilateral power to suspend members or dissolve elected executives without constitutional procedures and party organ approval. Despite this, Soluade was reinstated by the party in another statement on February 16, urging unity.

Speaking at the OOPL congress, Oladimeji Fabiyi, the deputy national financial secretary, criticized Soluade’s leadership, alleging that it had turned the ADC into a “transactional party” focused on negotiations rather than governance, thereby deterring quality aspirants. He expressed optimism that the new Famojuro-led leadership would usher in renewed growth and success for the ADC in Ogun State, with Soyinka echoing this sentiment, declaring Famojuro as the leader who would bring victory to the party.

In response, Soluade vehemently dismissed the congress that elected Famojuro as a “kangaroo election,” asserting his own legitimacy as the sole recognized state leader. He denied any division within the Ogun ADC, calling such suggestions false and aimed at destabilizing the party before the elections. Soluade maintained that the party remained cohesive under his leadership, adhering to the national body’s directives. He also announced the strategic suspension of a planned mock inauguration, emphasizing discipline and respect for institutional processes. He insisted that his cabinet was duly screened and affirmed by consensus, unlike the rival faction, and pledged that the party would not be swayed by external pressures or legal challenges.

In a significant turn of events, Olumide Onabajo, initially named as publicity secretary in both factions, formally pledged his loyalty to the Famojuro-led executive. This decision, described by Onabajo as a product of “careful reflection, consultations, and consideration of prevailing circumstances,” came barely 24 hours after he had validated the congress that returned Soluade as chairman. Onabajo lamented a lack of support from the Soluade-led team despite his long-term loyalty and contributions, citing a desire for stability and a leadership structure aligned with his vision for the party’s growth. He publicly stated his alignment with Mr. Emmanuel Famojuro’s team, highlighting the critical juncture the party faced with its two parallel leadership structures.