TDThe African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Osun State has descended into renewed factional conflict, reflecting the broader leadership crisis at the national level that has disrupted party congresses across the country.
Dr. Charles Idowu Omidiji, the long-serving state chairman, announced on Thursday that his executive committee would boycott the upcoming state congress.
He explained that the decision followed instructions from the party’s national leadership.
Omidiji stated that although a rival faction known as the Omoluabi Progressives is making moves to conduct the congress, his leadership would not be involved.
He emphasized his position as the recognized state chairman and reiterated that his camp would stay away from the exercise.
Aregbesola Faction Hit Back
The opposing camp, aligned with former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola, responded swiftly to Omidiji’s stance.
Seun Abosede, the faction’s media director, dismissed Omidiji’s authority, insisting he no longer represents the ADC in the state.
Abosede alleged that Omidiji has defected to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), claiming he is already listed as the party’s protem chairman for Osun State.
He maintained that the faction would proceed with its plans.
He confirmed that the state congress would take place on Saturday, followed by participation in the party’s national convention.
The latest development comes only a few months after Omidiji’s leadership secured a vote of confidence from the Forum of ADC Local Government Chairmen in Osun.
The Chairmen had pledged support for his leadership ahead of the August 8, 2026 governorship election.
National Crisis Fuels Osun Split
The dispute in Osun is widely seen as an extension of the ADC’s unresolved national leadership crisis.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recently withdrew recognition from a faction of the party’s National Working Committee reportedly led by former Senate President David Mark, in line with court rulings.
In response, another bloc comprising about 25 state chairmen has assumed control and announced plans to hold a national convention.
Omidiji is said to be part of this group, serving as National Organising Secretary within an interim or caretaker structure.
Across several states, internal disputes and legal battles have forced the suspension or postponement of congresses, with conflicting directives issued by rival factions.
In Osun, the Omoluabi Progressives—previously aligned with the ADC and supportive of governorship candidate Najeem Folasayo Salaam—are now engaged in a power struggle with Omidiji’s faction.
High Stakes Ahead of 2026 Osun Governorship Poll
The ongoing crisis poses a serious threat to the ADC’s readiness for the 2026 Osun governorship election.
The party had positioned itself as a viable challenger to dominant parties such as the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Meanwhile, Salaam has continued political consultations and grassroots mobilization, working alongside his running mate, Mrs. Temitope Yemisi Agiri, to strengthen campaign structures.
However, analysts warn that the visible divisions within the party could undermine public confidence and weaken its electoral prospects.
As of press time, neither INEC nor any of the ADC’s national factions has issued a definitive statement regarding the planned Osun congress.
Insiders indicate that further legal disputes and clarifications from the electoral body are likely in the coming days.
Once regarded as a potential third-force platform in Osun politics through its alliance with Aregbesola’s loyalists, the ADC now faces the risk of fragmentation at a crucial political moment.
More developments are expected as both factions continue to assert control ahead of the weekend.
