- As Adesiji, Onaara, Others Emerge In Osun, Oyo, Ekiti
- We Will Win June 20, August 15 Election – Bejide, Salaam
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has conducted its state congresses across Osun, Oyo, Ekiti and other states of the country, electing new executives and expressing confidence of victory in the forthcoming elections across the country.
OSUN DEFENDER reports that in Osun State, a former Executive Secretary of Ilesa West Local Government and former Deputy State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Azeez Adesiji, emerged as the new state chairman of the party.
He was elected alongside former Commissioner for Information, Adelani Baderinwa, who became the party’s secretary, during the congress held in Osogbo through a consensus arrangement.
The congress, which had delegates from the 30 local government areas in attendance, was monitored by security operatives, including the police and the Department of State Services. It was supervised by the chairman of the Osun ADC Congress Committee, Mudashiru Akinlabi.
Other executives elected include Adepeju Adigun as Treasurer, Funmilade Oyebode as Women Leader, Ademola Owoade as Youth Leader, and Oluwaseun Abosede as Publicity Secretary.
In his acceptance speech, Adesiji called on party executives and members to brace up for the August 15 governorship election, describing it as a “must-win” contest for the party.
“We are taking the party from almost a point of inertia, coupled with having a must-win governorship election in four months’ time. It is a huge responsibility, and all members must be ready to work towards our goal of winning the election handsomely,” he said.
He appealed to party leaders and members to support the new executives, stressing that collective effort would be key to success at the polls.
Adesiji also commended the leadership qualities of the party’s governorship candidate, Najeem Salaam, noting his experience as a former Speaker of the State House of Assembly and his imprints as a community leader and grassroots mobiliser.
Speaking at the event, Salaam, who attended with his running mate, Yemisi Agiri, assured residents of Osun of purposeful governance if elected, promising to deliver real development across the state.
In Ekiti State, the ADC governorship candidate, Dare Bejide, expressed optimism that the party would secure victory in the June 20 governorship election.
Bejide made this known during the party’s state congress held in Ado-Ekiti monitored by OSUN DEFENDER, where he noted that the ADC had become a strong opposition force to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
He commended party executives across the 16 local government areas for strengthening the party’s structure, adding that the influx of new members in recent weeks had further boosted its chances.
“Our growing strength across the state is a clear indication that victory is within reach. The momentum we have built will translate into success at the polls,” Bejide said.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Ekiti State Congress Committee, Afolabi Akinsiku, stated that the exercise was conducted in line with the Electoral Act and guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He explained that the party adopted a consensus arrangement for the congress, noting that the process reflected unity among members.
“Our party is a coalition, and if we remain united and committed, we will win the June 20 governorship election. Unity remains our greatest strength,” he said.
Also speaking, a former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Kolapo Olusola-Eleka, urged members to remain steadfast and united, expressing confidence in the party’s chances.
“The signs are clear. People can see and feel the impact of ADC. If we work together for the common good of the party, victory is assured,” he added.
At the congress, over 23 members were affirmed as state executives, with Gbenga Akamo emerging as secretary.
Party officials said all candidates were earlier screened by a committee led by Femi Akilo, alongside Mohammed Adamu Musa and Chuks Ujomar.
The ADC said the successful conduct of the congresses across states signals growing unity within the party as it prepares for the upcoming governorship elections.
OSUN DEFENDER also gathered that in Oyo State, Hon. Afeez Adelowo Jimoh (Onaara) was elected as the state chairman of the Party, at a congress held at Watershed, Old Ife Road, Ibadan.
The party’s spokesperson, Rotimi Johnson Ojasope in a statement said, “His emergence as the Oyo State ADC Chairman marks a new chapter for the party, as members and stakeholders express strong confidence in his leadership capacity, strategic vision, and ability to reposition the party for greater electoral success in the forthcoming political engagements.
“The ADC in Oyo State assures all members, supporters, and the general public of a renewed commitment to building a formidable, people-oriented political platform that prioritizes good governance, inclusivity, and sustainable development.
“We call on all party faithful to rally round the new leadership as we collectively work towards strengthening the ADC and advancing the democratic aspirations of the good people of Oyo State
A journalist with a speciality in politics, judiciary, and investigation for in-depth stories as a correspondent, among others. He covers all segments of Ekiti State, providing a platform for the people to air their views on issues affecting them.
