Crisis deepens in Ondo ADC as members protest alleged manipulation

By Boye Oyeyemi

A crisis has engulfed the Ondo State chapter of the African Democratic Congress following the disqualification of some aspirants in the build-up to its selection process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The situation escalated on Thursday when aggrieved party members stormed Oyemekun Road in Akure, Ondo State capital, protesting what they described as a manipulated screening exercise and alleged imposition of candidates.

The protesters specifically condemned the disqualification of a frontline aspirant, Oluwafemi Balogun, insisting that the decision was unjust and allegedly influenced by internal party politics and financial inducement.

Speaking during the demonstration, a party leader, Akinyemi Abimbola, accused the leadership of reneging on earlier assurances of a transparent primary election.

She said, “We were fully prepared for the primary election. All arrangements had been concluded and we were waiting for a transparent contest. Suddenly, at midnight, we were told that our candidate had been disqualified over NIN issues, which are not even part of the requirements.”

Abimbola further alleged that the development was part of a broader attempt to impose preferred candidates on the party structure, warning that members would not tolerate what she described as repeated political manipulation.

Also reacting, Balogun maintained that he met all eligibility requirements and submitted every document demanded by the screening committee of the party’s national secretariat.

Meanwhile, the Ondo State Chairman of the ADC, Tola Alabere, appealed for calm, urging dissatisfied members to channel their grievances through the party’s internal appeal structures rather than resorting to public protests that could damage the party’s image.