ADC disowns planned southwest zonal exco inauguration

Cracks have emerged within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following the circulation of a notice announcing the inauguration of a new South West zonal executive, a move the party’s national leadership has dismissed as unauthorized.

The controversy centres on a purported inauguration of the South West Chairman, Rahman Owokoniran, and other zonal executives, scheduled for January 31, 2026, in Ibadan, Oyo State.

An invitation for the event listed the Oyo State Chairman of the party, Yinka Olona, as host.

However, the ADC national secretariat swiftly disowned the planned event, describing it as part of ongoing power play and internal manoeuvring within the opposition party.

Reacting on Thursday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, dismissed the inauguration in a disclaimer issued via his official X platform, making it clear that the exercise did not have the approval or backing of the national leadership.

“This is to inform the general public that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has not appointed any South West Chairman. Furthermore, the ADC is not inaugurating any South West Chairman at this time.

“The public is therefore advised to take note of this information and exercise caution regarding any claims or activities suggesting otherwise,” the NPS tweeted.

Party sources said the development reflects unresolved internal disagreements within the ADC over leadership structures and authority, particularly at the sub-national level.

The ADC, which has attracted a coalition of politicians opposed to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has in recent months been working to consolidate its internal organs ahead of future political engagements.

However, the latest episode suggests that internal coordination challenges persist in some regions.

As of the time of filing this report, no further clarification had been issued by the organisers of the proposed inauguration, while the national leadership maintained that only activities sanctioned by the party’s recognised structures remain valid.