By Ayobami Ife, Abeokuta
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ogun State has firmly re-established its leadership structure, returning Otunba Dr. Femi Soluade as State Chairman during a hitch-free State Executive Congress held at the party’s secretariat in Abeokuta.
The exercise, which party insiders described as a masterclass in constitutional compliance, was supervised by a national delegation led by Chief Moshood Salvador.
The congress effectively serves as a definitive rebuttal to a rival faction that reportedly held a parallel gathering at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) the same day.
Due Process and Legitimacy
The congress was characterized by a massive turnout of accredited delegates from across the state’s 20 Local Government Areas. Officials emphasized that the process followed strict electoral frameworks, including the rigorous screening of all aspirants to ensure internal democracy.
While Otunba Soluade was returned unopposed to lead the party, other key positions were filled, including Prince Babatunde Adedeji as Deputy State Chairman and Hon. Agbebiyi Olusoji as State Secretary. The new executive committee was immediately sworn in by the State Legal Adviser, Barrister Femi Aina.
Cracking Down on Factions
The party leadership took a hardline stance against the parallel meeting at OOPL, dismissing it as a “legal nullity.”
”That gathering was unconstitutional, lacked procedural legitimacy, and failed to meet the basic requirements of our party’s guidelines,” a party spokesperson stated.
“Any outcome from such an assembly is null, void, and of no effect whatsoever. There is only one ADC structure in Ogun State.”
Despite the firm dismissal of the rival group, the party leadership extended a cautious olive branch, urging aggrieved members to “sheathe their swords” and return to the fold to build a united front against opposing political parties.
”We Are Here to Work” – Soluade
In a stirring acceptance speech, the newly inaugurated Chairman, Dr. Femi Soluade, signaled a shift from party politics to active mobilization.
He described his mandate as a “sacred trust” and a call to reposition the ADC as the primary alternative for the people of Ogun State.
”We are not here for ceremonies or titles. We are here to roll up our sleeves and do the difficult work of rebuilding and re-energizing the ADC,” Soluade told the cheering crowd.
Outlining his vision, Soluade pledged to foster internal democracy and craft policies focused on food security, economic empowerment, and infrastructure.
“The ADC will progress from a party of potential to a party of power and influence. We will build bridges across regions and generations to empower our youth and women,” he added.
As the political atmosphere in Ogun State begins to heat up, the successful conduct of this congress places the ADC on a stronger footing, signaling its readiness to challenge the status quo in the Gateway State.
