The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ondo State on Tuesday suspended the state chairman, Mr Wole Ademoyegun, and subsequently appointed former lawmaker, Hon. Sola Ebiwonjumi, as his replacement in a leadership shake-up aimed at restoring unity within the party.

The removal of Ademoyegun was made known during a press conference by the leadership of the party, held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Akure, where the 18 local government chairmen of the party, alongside leaders of political blocs within the coalition, addressed newsmen.

The leaders of the party said the decision to remove Ademoyegun was part of broader efforts to reposition the party following growing internal disagreements over its structure and direction, saying the decision to install Ebiwonjumi as chairman was taken in the interest of the majority of party members.

Leaders of the party, drawn from four major blocs within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), including a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) group led by Prof. Bode Ayorinde, the Labour Party/Obidient Movement under Professor Biodun Ambode, the ADC aborigines led by Barrister Nejo Myson, and the Omoluabi Group headed by Hon. Femi Johnson expressed concerns over the state of the party’s leadership.

They accused the Ademoyegun-led administration of undermining efforts to build a united and formidable party structure, warning that such challenges could affect the party’s preparedness for future political engagements in Ondo State.

According to them, the four blocs that make up the coalition had, from the outset, shown goodwill and a strong commitment to building a united, inclusive, and formidable party structure.

They, however, alleged that the efforts were consistently undermined by a faction within the party, which they accused of obstructing moves toward unity, dialogue, and fair power-sharing.

They added that continuous imposition and a disregard for collective decisions had hindered meaningful progress, leaving the coalition with no choice but to take decisive action.

The leaders stated that after what it described as exhaustive attempts at reconciliation and internal resolution, they said the only option is to take decisive action to rescue the party from unilateral control.

“This persistent imposition and disregard for collective decisions have made meaningful progress impossible

“After exhausting all avenues for reconciliation, consultation, and internal resolution, we resolved to remove the chairman in order to restore order and confidence within the party,” the leaders stated.

They leaders also demanded the urgent constitution of a new, broad-based State Executive Committee and proposed that the new executive structure be led by Ebiwonjumi, in collaboration with chairmen across the 18 local government areas and ward leaders, to ensure fair representation of all stakeholders.

It also reaffirmed its commitment to rebuilding the party on the principles of justice, equity, transparency, and collective leadership, particularly as the party prepares for its forthcoming congress.

“This decision is not taken lightly, but it is necessary to restore confidence and reposition the party as a credible platform for democratic participation,” the statement read.

While speaking, a leader of the party, Prof.Johnson Ambode, dismissed claims of factionalisation, insisting that there is only one recognised structure of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ondo State.

He maintained that any lingering crisis had been resolved following the suspension of an individual accused of fueling disunity within the party.

“There is no faction in the party. The crisis has been addressed, and the person responsible has been suspended. The leadership and stakeholders have come together to reposition the party for progress,” the source said.

He also confirmed that the national body of the party is fully aware of the development, stressing that all actions taken were in line with due process and aimed at strengthening the party. (TRIBUNE)