ADC CONGRESS HOLDS IN IBADAN NORTH-WEST, PARTY DENIES FACTIONAL CRISIS
The Ibadan North-West Local Government chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has successfully conducted its local government congress amid assurances of unity, inclusiveness, and peaceful coexistence among members.
Addressing journalists shortly after the exercise held on Thursday, April 9, at Opoo area of Ibadan, the newly elected chairman of the party in the local government, Hon. Hossain Ismail, described the congress as peaceful, credible, and devoid of any form of rancour.
Hon. Ismail firmly dismissed speculations of factionalization within the party in Ibadan North-West, insisting that the congress reflected the collective will of members across different political backgrounds.
According to him, “There is no faction in ADC in Ibadan North-West. Those peddling such rumours are merely jokers. The structure led by Alhaji Yinka Olona remains the only authentic and legally recognized leadership of the party in Oyo State.”
He further disclosed that the congress witnessed robust participation from members who recently defected from other political parties, including the Labour Party, NNPP, and PDP, stressing that their inclusion demonstrates the growing acceptance and expansion of ADC within the local government and beyond.
“We are building a united front. Those who joined us from other parties were fully integrated and duly represented in today’s congress. This is a clear sign that ADC is becoming a strong alternative platform for progressive-minded Nigerians,” he added.
Speaking on the peaceful atmosphere that characterized the exercise, Hon. Ismail attributed the success to the spirit of unity, mutual respect, and shared vision among party members.
“The love and unity among us made this congress hitch-free. There was no tension before, during, or after the process. This is the kind of political culture we want to sustain,” he noted.
The newly elected executive members of the party in the local government include Hon. Hossain Ismail as Chairman, Ayoade Kazeem as Deputy Chairman, Olusola Olanipekun as Secretary, Afusat Aremu as Women Leader, and Seriki Ibrahim as Youth Leader, among others.
To ensure adequate security and prevent any form of disruption, Hon. Ismail revealed that the party collaborated with security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), as well as local vigilante groups, whose presence was visibly noted throughout the exercise.
“We took proactive measures by involving security agencies to guarantee a smooth process. Their presence helped deter any unscrupulous elements and ensured that the congress was conducted without incident,” he said.
Prominent leaders of the party who graced the congress include Hon. Tunde Basiru, Hon. S.O.J Akinbola, Hon. Timothy Olusoji, Hon. Ramon Ali Berubadupe, and Hon. Lukman Adeola Adetunji, among others.
They commended the orderly conduct of the exercise and charged the new executives to consolidate on the unity within the party.
The development in Ibadan North-West is coming at a time when the ADC is intensifying efforts to reposition itself as a formidable force ahead of future elections, particularly in Oyo State and across the country. Political observers note that the influx of defectors and the peaceful conduct of internal party processes could boost the party’s chances in the evolving political landscape.
Hon. Ismail, however, assured party faithful that the new leadership would prioritize grassroots mobilization, youth engagement, and policy-driven politics to further strengthen the party’s base in the local government.
“We are committed to building a party that truly represents the people. This is just the beginning of greater things to come for ADC in Ibadan North-West,” he concluded.