• The Ondo ADC has suspended all planned congresses at ward, local government, and state levels
• The decision followed a directive from INEC instructing political parties to maintain the status quo
• The party urged members to remain calm, united, and law-abiding during the period
• Despite the crisis, ADC has reaffirmed its intention to participate in the 2027 general elections

The Ondo State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has suspended its planned ward, local government, and state congresses following a directive from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The announcement was made in a statement released on Wednesday, April 8, by the state chairman, Wole Ademoyegun.

According to the statement, the move was taken in adherence to INEC’s instruction that all political parties maintain the status quo pending the resolution of ongoing disputes.

The statement read, ”The ADC 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 the Independent National Electoral Commission directing all concerned parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum.

“We reaffirm our unwavering respect for INEC as the constitutionally constituted regulatory authority for political parties and our firm commitment to due process and institutional order. Accordingly, all members and stakeholders of the party are hereby enjoined to remain calm, maintain unity, and exercise the highest level of discipline during this period.

“The party strongly advises against any form of activity that may contravene the directive of INEC or disrupt the peace and order within the party.”

The party further cautioned against any unauthorised gatherings, revealing that security agencies had been alerted to prevent actions that could threaten internal peace.

“The ADC Ondo State Chapter remains committed to democratic principles, internal cohesion and proper political conduct. Further updates will be communicated in line with guidance from the appropriate regulatory authorities,” the statement concluded.

This development follows INEC’s recent decision to delist some national figures of the party, including David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola, from its records in compliance with a court order directing the commission to maintain the status quo.

The ADC has been grappling with internal disputes, including disagreements surrounding the tenure of its former National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu, which ended in August 2022.

Despite the lingering crisis, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, recently reaffirmed its readiness to contest future elections.

“One thing I can guarantee is that we will contest the 2027 election on the ADC platform,” he said.

ADC crisis deepens as Bala confirms presence at leadership meeting

In an earlier report, TheRadar reported that the internal crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) had intensified, as factional national chairman Nafiu Bala confirmed that he was present at the meeting where an interim leadership led by former Senate President David Mark was installed in July 2025.

The development marked a significant moment in the party’s ongoing leadership dispute, which had since split the ADC into two factions, one aligned with Mark and the other led by Bala.