The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ogun State is engulfed in a leadership crisis as two rival factions, each claiming legitimacy, emerged from parallel state executive congresses held on the same day, April 11, 2026. The split has deepened amid accusations of unconstitutional actions, backstabbing, and political maneuvering, threatening the party’s unity ahead of the 2027 general elections. While one faction, led by Femi Soluade, insists it is the only authentic leadership, the other, headed by Emmanuel Famojuro, claims to have been elected in accordance with party constitution and national directives.
At the ADC secretariat in Abeokuta, Soluade was re-elected as state chairman, with Babatunde Adedeji as deputy, Agbebiyi Olusoji as secretary, and Olumide Onabajo as publicity secretary. The congress was chaired by Moshood Salvador and sworn in by Barrister Femi Aina, the state legal adviser. However, simultaneously, a second congress was held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), also in Abeokuta, under the supervision of national officials including Hon. Olatunji Soyinka, Deputy National Financial Secretary Oladimeji Fabiyi, and others. This group elected Emmanuel Famojuro as state chairman, with Adebanjo Olalekan as deputy, Soaga Akintoye as secretary, and again, Olumide Onabajo as publicity secretary.
Soyinka, who chaired the national congress committee, declared the Famojuro-led team as the legitimate leadership, asserting that the election followed party guidelines. He dismissed any absence from the congress as a personal choice and declared the decision final. He also criticized the previous leadership under Soluade, accusing it of turning the party into a “transactional” platform and discouraging quality aspirants from joining. Fabiyi echoed these sentiments, stating that the people of Ogun State had called for change and that the party was now on a new path toward growth and victory.
In response, Soluade labeled the Famojuro congress a “kangaroo election” and maintained that he remains the only legitimate state chairman. He emphasized that his team was screened and sworn in by the national body on April 9, 2026, while the opposing faction’s members were not. He also suspended a planned mock inauguration, describing it as a strategic move to show discipline and respect for party processes. Soluade warned against internal sabotage, insisting the party remains united under his leadership.
A major development came when Olumide Onabajo, who was named publicity secretary by both factions, publicly switched allegiance to Famojuro. In a statement, Onabajo cited lack of support from the Soluade camp despite his years of service and contributions. He described his decision as a result of “careful reflection and consultations,” and expressed hope for a more stable and visionary leadership under Famojuro.
The crisis reflects broader challenges within the ADC as it positions itself as a major opposition force in Nigeria. With the 2027 elections approaching, the party’s ability to present a united front will be critical to its chances of success. The outcome of this leadership battle may determine whether the ADC becomes a credible alternative or remains fractured and ineffective.
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