Ondo ADC Urges Coalition Members to Register, Warns Against Disrupting Party Structure

The Ondo State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a strong advisory to members of the recently formed political coalition operating under its banner, urging them to respect and integrate into the existing party structure rather than attempt to override or dismantle it.

The warning came just days after the coalition’s formal inauguration in Akure, the state capital. The coalition brings together key political figures from various parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), Labour Party (LP), and the ADC itself, signaling a strategic alliance ahead of the state’s November 16 governorship election.  

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Call for Proper Registration and Structural Respect

The ADC’s governorship candidate for the upcoming poll, Adeyemi Nejo, issued a statement on Sunday clarifying the position of the party’s leadership in the state regarding the coalition. While welcoming the new alliance, Nejo stressed that the existing political structure of the ADC must not be undermined or replaced in any form.

“This statement aims to clarify the status of the ADC’s organisational structure and provide clear guidance on the integration of coalition partners into our great party,” Nejo said.

He emphasized that, based on directives from the party’s national leadership, the ADC’s current leadership at the state, local government, and ward levels remains “fully intact and operational.” According to him, the coalition should serve to bolster the party’s strength through collaboration, not become a means of hijacking or displacing its foundational structure.

 No ‘Coordinator’ Roles Recognized in ADC Constitution

Nejo also addressed confusion over emerging roles within the coalition, such as “state coordinator” and “LGA coordinators,” which have been introduced by some coalition leaders, including Prof. Bode Ayorinde, a former member of the House of Representatives and current coordinator of the coalition.

Without naming Ayorinde directly, Nejo insisted that such titles were not recognized in the ADC constitution and therefore should not be considered valid within the party’s framework.

“The recognised leadership structure of the ADC in Ondo State consists solely of the state chairman, LG chairmen, and ward executives. There are no provisions for roles such as state or local government coordinators,” he stated.

He reiterated that any coalition members who wish to be involved in party activities or governance must follow due process by formally registering with the party at the ward level.

“This process is vital to fostering unity, ensuring seamless integration, and building a cohesive party that reflects the collective aspirations of all members and the people of Ondo State,” Nejo said.

Coalition Welcomed but Must Follow Due Process

Despite the firm tone of his statement, Nejo made it clear that the party welcomes the coalition and values its contribution to expanding the ADC’s base and appeal. However, he emphasized that integration must not come at the expense of procedural order or internal stability.

The ADC in Ondo State has been steadily growing its political presence, and the coalition is seen as a move to strengthen its chances in the high-stakes November governorship contest. Still, the party leadership appears intent on maintaining its internal order and avoiding potential power struggles that could arise from ambiguous roles or overlapping authority.

Nejo’s intervention comes as a preemptive measure to avoid internal fractures that have plagued other political alliances in the past, especially during election seasons when party structures often become contested.

Strategic Unity Ahead of Governorship Poll

Political analysts believe that the ADC coalition strategy could be a game-changer in Ondo politics, especially if managed well. The fusion of key players from established parties like the PDP, SDP, and LP could enhance the ADC’s profile and electoral strength.

However, for this strategy to succeed, unity, clarity of roles, and respect for established structures will be crucial. Nejo’s message appears to be focused on preserving these elements while still embracing new allies.

With the governorship election fast approaching, the ADC hopes to project itself as a credible and organized alternative to the dominant political forces in the state. How it manages the integration of coalition partners and maintains harmony among its ranks could determine its performance at the polls.

Nejo concluded his statement by reiterating that unity through due process will make the party stronger, stating, “We must build a party that reflects the aspirations of all, not one that is divided by confusion and parallel authority.”

As the political landscape in Ondo continues to shift, the ADC is positioning itself as a stable but inclusive platform—one where coalitions are welcomed, but only within the bounds of order and party constitution.