Ogun ADC Elects New Chairman Amidst Accusations of Backstabbing
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ogun State has undergone a significant leadership change, electing Mr. Emmanuel Famojuro as its new State Chairman. This development occurred during a congress held in Abeokuta, the state capital, under the supervision of national party officials. The event was marked by strong accusations against the immediate past chairman, Otunba Femi Soluade, whom party leaders accused of backstabbing and obstructing potential aspirants from joining the party.
Congress Proceedings and Election Outcome
The congress was overseen by a delegation from the national party, led by the Chairman of the Congress Committee, Hon. Olatunji Shoyinka, and including the National Financial Secretary, Hon. Dimeji Fabiyi, among other officials. This gathering was strategically organized to reposition the party ahead of the 2027 general elections. During the proceedings, Emmanuel Famojuro was elected as the new State Chairman, a move seen as pivotal for the party's future direction.
New Chairman's Vision for Unity and Growth
In his acceptance speech, Hon. Emmanuel Famojuro emphasized the need for unity among party members, promising a result-oriented leadership focused on grassroots mobilization and inclusiveness. He highlighted the critical roles of youths and women, stating, "We must work as one family. Youths and women are the backbone of our party." Famojuro urged party leaders to provide guidance and support, noting that their experience is vital for growth. He also referenced a quote attributed to General Muhammadu Buhari to underscore the party's potential, saying, "This generation, and indeed the future generation of ADC, has no other party than ADC." He concluded with a commitment to diligent work, asserting, "I believe we can, and we will do the job diligently."
National Officials' Support and Criticism
Hon. Olatunji Shoyinka, Chairman of the Congress Committee, affirmed that the party would only recognize authentic members and the newly elected executives. He described the transition as a step toward victory, expressing confidence in Famojuro's leadership. "He is someone who will lead Ogun State to where we want it to be," Shoyinka said. He stressed party unity, noting that no individual is bigger than the party, and predicted a brighter future, adding, "It is green all over the world that ADC is the next government in Ogun State and Nigeria as a whole."
Similarly, Hon. Dimeji Fabiyi, the National Financial Secretary, criticized the former chairman's leadership, accusing it of dragging the party backward and discouraging potential candidates. Fabiyi admonished the new leadership to prioritize unity and maintain an open-door policy. He alleged that the outgoing leadership failed to grow the party effectively, turning it into a "transactional party" focused on negotiations rather than development. "They sent many quality aspirants away because they saw no hope and were not inspired. The people of Ogun State have been calling on us, saying this situation cannot continue," he stated. Fabiyi expressed optimism that the ADC is now set for renewed growth under the new leadership.
Former Chairman's Rebuttal and Claims
In response, Otunba Femi Soluade, when contacted for his reaction, insisted that he remains the authentic chairman of the party. He alleged that the congress was conducted by impostors and lacked due process. Soluade dismissed the accusations of preventing aspirants from joining, claiming that he had attracted more than 50 aspirants to the party. "Nothing is happening. I am the authentic, reaffirmed chairman of the African Democratic Congress in Ogun State. Those ones—it's an aberration. It's in fact, it is never—it's not supposed to happen in the first place. These are the people they are impostors. They want to come and hatch the egg that they did not lay," he said. He further asserted, "I have attracted more than 57 aspirants to African Democratic Congress even before it became a coalition. I've been doing my job diligently, and I've reawakened the sleeping giant in Ogun State, which is ADC. In fact, Ogun State is the catalyst for which the national adopted the African Democratic Congress. Because at every time, I've always been in the news."
This leadership transition in the Ogun State ADC chapter highlights internal conflicts and a renewed focus on unity and growth as the party prepares for future electoral challenges.
