The African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Saturday conducted its state congresses in Ogun and Abia as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections, with internal disagreements overshadowing the exercise in Ogun State.

In Ogun, a leadership crisis led to the emergence of two factions, each claiming legitimacy despite both aligning with the party’s national leadership under former Senate President, David Mark.

One faction, led by Deputy National Financial Secretary Dimeji Fabiyi, held its congress at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta. The exercise, supervised by a national committee headed by Olatunji Shoyinka, produced Emmanuel Famojuro as the state chairman.

Shoyinka, while presenting a harmonised list of executives, stated that the process followed party guidelines and reflected a consensus among stakeholders. He added that those who were absent had chosen not to participate.

In his acceptance speech, Famojuro called for unity within the party and promised to strengthen its structure through grassroots mobilisation, emphasizing the importance of youths and women in building the party.

Fabiyi also criticised the immediate past leadership under Femi Soluade, accusing it of hindering the party’s growth and discouraging potential aspirants. He alleged that the party had been reduced to a “transactional platform,” but expressed confidence that the new leadership would reposition it.

However, Soluade rejected the claims and maintained that his faction remained the legitimate leadership after conducting a separate congress at the party secretariat in Itoko, Abeokuta. The exercise was reportedly supervised by a national official, Rasheed Salvador.

He said his leadership was returned unopposed and dismissed the allegations against his administration as unfounded, insisting that his faction was ready to lead the party to victory in 2027.

Meanwhile, in Abia State, the congress proceeded without dispute, with members gathering in Umuahia to elect new executives. Kalu-Kalu Agu emerged as the state chairman through a voice vote.

In his remarks, Agu pledged to unite members and rebuild the party’s strength, stressing the need for reconciliation. He assured that efforts would be made to bring aggrieved members back into the fold.

Chairman of the Congress Committee, Fredrick Onwe, described the exercise as compliant with party guidelines and expressed confidence in the party’s stability in the state.

Also speaking, the state publicity secretary, Francess Ogbonnaya, said the party was positioning itself to present credible candidates for governorship and other elective offices in Abia.

The congresses come at a time of increasing political realignment within the ADC as it prepares for the 2027 general elections.