Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The leadership tussle currently militating against the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Edo State has further snowballed into a bigger one as the State Chairman, Kennedy Odion, disowned the ongoing congresses and reaffirmed his position as the duly recognised and authentic leader of the party in the state.
Odion, who was responding swiftly to claims that he had been removed from office, declared that he remains chairman until the expiration of his tenure on May 12, 2026.
In a statement issued in Benin, the chairman announced the immediate suspension of all ward, local government, and state congresses earlier scheduled by the party, citing a directive from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to him, the decision was in strict compliance with the electoral body’s instruction to maintain the status quo.
“The African Democratic Congress (ADC), Edo State Chapter, hereby announces the immediate suspension of all previously scheduled ward, local government area, and state congresses. This decision is taken in strict compliance with the directive of INEC,” he stated.
Odion further disclosed that INEC had formally communicated its position, directing all concerned parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum, while indicating that it would neither recognise any faction nor monitor any congress at this time.
“As a law-abiding political party, the ADC Edo State Chapter, under my leadership, fully aligns with this directive.
“We reaffirm our unwavering respect for INEC as the constitutionally mandated regulatory authority for political parties and our firm commitment to due process and institutional order,” he said.
He, therefore, urged members and stakeholders of the party to remain calm, united, and law-abiding, warning against actions capable of undermining peace and order within the party.
“All members and stakeholders are hereby enjoined to maintain calm, unity, and discipline during this period. The party strongly advises against any activity that may contravene INEC’s directive or disrupt internal peace,” he added.
The chairman reiterated the party’s commitment to democratic principles and internal cohesion, assuring that further directives would be communicated in line with guidance from the appropriate regulatory authorities.
The development marks a fresh twist in the protracted leadership tussle within the Edo State chapter of the ADC, with parallel structures laying claim to control of the party ahead of its congresses.
Recall that the leadership of the party in Edo State on Thursday conducted its ward and local government congresses across the state, electing new leaders in all the 192 wards and 18 local government areas as part of efforts to reposition the party ahead of future elections.
