Internal friction within the Oyo State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has intensified as two separate groups now claim authority over the party’s membership registration process. This leadership tussle comes at a critical time as the party begins its groundwork for the 2027 general elections, focusing on the Membership Revalidation and Membership Registration (MRMR) Committee.
One faction maintains that the committee is headed by Ayo Akinyemi as Chairman, with Professor Folake Tafita serving as Secretary. However, a rival group recently emerged, asserting that Chief Bisi Ilaka, a former Chief of Staff to the state governor, is the rightful leader. This second group even held a media briefing in Ibadan to announce ten additional members to their version of the committee.
Reacting to these claims, the ADC State Publicity Secretary, Barrister Bimpe Adelowo, spoke at a press conference held at the party’s secretariat in Mokola. Adelowo dismissed the rival claims, insisting that the only committee recognized by the national leadership is the one led by Akinyemi. He clarified that this team was officially inaugurated in Abuja on February 12, 2026, and was carefully structured to include three representatives from each of the state’s three senatorial districts.
Adelowo emphasized that the legitimate committee reflects a broad and inclusive coalition, featuring members from various political backgrounds, including former associates of the APC, PDP, and Labour Party. He urged those operating parallel structures to stop creating distractions and instead rejoin the main fold to help strengthen the party’s presence across the 33 local government areas. He noted that it is counterproductive for individuals to throw tantrums from the sidelines while the party is making significant progress at the grassroots level.
Further details provided to Reports indicate that the official MRMR Committee was given a one-month mandate to complete the registration exercise. Ayo Akinyemi, the recognized chairman, confirmed that his team has been active since their inauguration, already setting up local structures and conducting training sessions for representatives across the state to ensure the process remains transparent and uniform.
As the deadline for the registration exercise approaches, the party leadership is calling on all prospective members to register through the established channels. They maintain that only the officially constituted authorities have the power to handle membership data, warning against submitting names to unauthorized persons. For now, the ADC remains focused on its goal to deliver Oyo State in the next general election, despite the current internal disputes.
