The Ondo State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has reaffirmed its dedication to establishing the party as a significant political force both within Ondo State and across the South West region.
Asiwaju Ayowole Ademoyegun, the party’s caretaker chairman in Ondo, revealed that the ADC is actively implementing a comprehensive mobilization campaign throughout the six South West states. This initiative is spearheaded by the party’s National Secretary, former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola.
Addressing concerns about the party’s current influence in the South West-an area notably associated with President Bola Tinubu-Ademoyegun emphasized the ADC’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its presence and appeal.
While Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the Labour Party’s 2023 Lagos governorship candidate, recently transitioned to the ADC along with his supporters, the party has yet to attract other high-profile politicians from the South West to publicly align with its platform.
For instance, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, a former Ekiti State governor who was rumored to be part of an adc-dismisses-datti-baba-ahmed-criticism-commits-coalition/” title=”2027: … Shrugs Off Datti Baba-Ahmed's Criticism, Reaffirms Strong Coalition Commitment”>opposition coalition, has publicly distanced himself from the ADC, despite suggestions from his political associate, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi.
Nationally, the ADC has welcomed several influential figures defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) amid internal disputes within the PDP. However, this trend has not been mirrored in the South West, where key figures like Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke have dismissed speculation about switching allegiance to the ADC.
It is important to note that in the 2023 presidential election, President Tinubu secured victories in only four of the six South West states, amassing a total of 2,279,407 votes in the region.
Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, President Tinubu and his campaign strategists are reportedly aiming to capture all six South West states, with particular focus on Lagos State-a former governorship stronghold where he was defeated by Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in 2023.
Responding to these dynamics, Ademoyegun stated, “The ADC is deeply engaged with grassroots supporters and opposition figures to forge a robust alliance against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).”
He highlighted that the party has attracted numerous notable politicians, including at least four former gubernatorial candidates from various parties, ex-Senators, members of the House of Representatives and State Assemblies, as well as many former State Executive Committee members. Additionally, thousands of grassroots members have defected to the ADC across wards in all six South West states.
Ademoyegun further noted, “Our party’s grassroots mobilization efforts prioritize democratic principles, inclusivity, and transparency.”
He concluded by affirming that the ADC is gaining significant traction in Ondo State, propelled by its strategic mobilization, coalition-building efforts, and steadfast commitment to democratic ideals.
