By Our Correspondent

National News – The African Democratic Congress (ADC) held congresses in Ogun and Abia states on Saturday to elect new executives ahead of the 2027 general elections, but the exercise in Ogun was marred by a leadership crisis that produced two rival chairmen.

In Ogun State, the congress split into two parallel camps. One faction, led by the party’s Deputy National Financial Secretary, Dimeji Fabiyi, held its congress at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta. .

Supervised by a national committee headed by Olatunji Shoyinka, the faction declared Emmanuel Famojuro as the new state chairman.

According to Shoyinka, the congress complied with party guidelines and reflected the collective decision of stakeholders.

Famojuro, in his acceptance speech, pledged to strengthen grassroots mobilisation and emphasised the crucial role of women and youth in building the party.

However, the former state chairman, Femi Soluade, led a rival congress at the ADC secretariat in Itoko, Abeokuta.

He was returned unopposed by his faction and insisted his group remained the authentic leadership of the party in Ogun State.

Soluade described allegations against his leadership as false and maintained that his team would deliver victory for the ADC in the 2027 elections.

In Abia State, the ADC held a unified congress in Umuahia, where Kalu-Kalu Agu emerged as the new state chairman through a voice vote.

Agu promised reconciliation and unity within the party, stating that internal harmony was vital for electoral success.

Chairman of the Abia Congress Committee, Fredrick Onwe, said the process complied with party regulations and expressed optimism about the party’s stability in the state.

The state publicity secretary, Francess Ogbonnaya, also assured that the ADC would field credible candidates for the governorship and other positions in the 2027 polls.

The congresses highlight ongoing realignments within the ADC as it prepares for the next general elections.