Ondo ADC Elects New State Executives with Alabere as Chairman
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ondo State has successfully conducted its state congress, resulting in the election of new executives. Bashorun Tola Alabere, a former caretaker chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, has emerged as the new ADC chairman. This development marks a significant step for the opposition party as it prepares for the upcoming 2027 general elections.
New Executive Team and Consensus Process
The newly elected executives were chosen through a consensus process, which was confirmed by Hon. Kehinde Agboola, the Chairman of the National Convention Committee overseeing the congress in Akure. Agboola stated that the process fully complied with the Electoral Act and the party's constitution. The executive team includes:
- Dare Akinwale as Organising Secretary, formerly the PDP Organising Secretary.
- Oloye Ola Amure as Legal Adviser.
- Kunle Adeloye as Secretary.
- Ayodele Ogunsuyi and Bobby Omotoso as Deputy Chairman.
Agboola highlighted that ward and local government congresses had been successfully held prior to the state congress, paving the way for this new leadership. He emphasized that the inauguration of these officials will enable the ADC to intensify mobilization efforts across Ondo State.
Allegations Against APC and Political Strategy
During the congress, Agboola accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating instability within the ADC to weaken opposition forces. He cited examples from Lagos State, alleging that the APC has a history of undermining opposition parties to consolidate power. Agboola criticized the current APC-led government, pointing to policies such as the removal of petroleum subsidies and increased taxation, including on childbirth. He also claimed that the government has taken more loans in the past two years than all previous administrations in the fourth republic combined.
Agboola asserted that APC collaborators within the ADC have now left the party, strengthening its unity. He expressed confidence that the ADC in Ondo State is here to stay and will provide a formidable challenge to the ruling APC in future elections. He urged voters not to lose faith, assuring them that their votes will count in the democratic process.
Commitment from New Leadership and Party Growth
In his response, Bashorun Tola Alabere, the newly elected chairman, pledged to work diligently with other members to deliver Ondo State to the ADC in the next election. He promised to make the party a household name in the state through effective collaboration and outreach.
Prof. Bode Ayorinde, the leader of the ADC in Ondo State, provided insights into the party's growth. He revealed that the coalition started with just 15 members and has now expanded to over 1,000 in the state. Ayorinde explained that the ADC was chosen as the vehicle to wrestle power from the APC, and he called on the new executives to work with other members to secure at least 60% of the votes for ADC candidates in the upcoming elections.
This election of new executives represents a strategic move by the ADC to bolster its presence and competitiveness in Ondo State's political landscape, setting the stage for intense electoral battles ahead.
