Quick Takeaways
- South-West ADC leaders have petitioned the party’s national leadership seeking the removal of Rauf Aregbesola as Interim National Secretary.
- The petition accuses the former Osun governor of violating the party’s constitution and creating parallel political structures.
- Petitioners also allege interference in the party’s National Assembly candidate selection process.
- Copies of the petition were sent to key organs of the party, including the National Working Committee (NWC) and National Executive Committee (NEC).
- No official response from Aregbesola, ADC’s national leadership, or INEC was included in the source article.
Leadership Tension Spills Into the Open
Weeks after the African Democratic Congress (ADC) intensified preparations for the 2027 general election, a growing disagreement within its South-West chapter has developed into a full-scale leadership dispute.
The latest flashpoint is a petition submitted by party leaders from across the region asking the national leadership to remove Interim National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, whom they accuse of actions capable of undermining the party’s internal stability.
The petition, addressed to National Chairman Senator David Mark, suggests that what began as internal dissatisfaction has now evolved into a constitutional dispute requiring intervention from the party’s highest decision-making organs.
How the Crisis Escalated
According to the petition dated July 28, 2026, the decision to seek Aregbesola’s removal followed an emergency meeting held in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The South-West officials reportedly concluded during the meeting that recent developments within the party had created avoidable divisions capable of affecting the ADC’s organisational strength ahead of future elections.
Rather than resolving the matter internally, the leaders opted to formally notify the national leadership, arguing that the issues had become too significant to ignore.
The Allegations Driving the Dispute
At the centre of the petition is the allegation that Aregbesola established a separate political structure known as Omoluabi Progressive while serving as Interim National Secretary.
The petitioners claimed members of the organisation were subsequently presented as recognised ADC officials across ward, local government and state structures in the South-West, an action they argued conflicts with the party’s constitution.
They further alleged that these developments contributed to persistent internal disputes affecting party structures in Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo states.
Candidate Selection Comes Under Fresh Scrutiny
Beyond the organisational dispute, the petition also raises concerns about the party’s candidate nomination process.
According to the document, Aregbesola allegedly influenced the submission of National Assembly candidates by replacing individuals who reportedly emerged from INEC-monitored primaries with persons linked to the Omoluabi Progressive movement.
The petitioners further claimed that the replacement candidates did not purchase the party’s nomination forms before their names were allegedly submitted.
These claims remain allegations contained in the petition.
The source article does not include independent verification of the allegations or responses from Aregbesola or INEC.
Constitutional Questions Move to the Forefront
To support their request, the petitioners cited Article 22, Section 1 (2, 3, 8, 9, 10 and 11) of the ADC constitution.
They argued that the alleged actions amount to constitutional breaches, creation of parallel party organs, disobedience of lawful directives and conduct capable of bringing the party into disrepute.
Those constitutional provisions now form the foundation of the disciplinary action being sought against the Interim National Secretary.
Who Signed the Petition?
The petition bears the names of several party officials from across the South-West, including:
- Olusoji Adebiyi – Ogun State Secretary
- Abideen Okanlawon – Osun State Acting Chairman
- Adesola Akitunde – Osun State Youth Leader
- Yinka Olona – Oyo State factional Chairman
- Adebimpe Adelowo – Oyo State party member
- Ilesanmi Olaiya – Ekiti State Chairman
Copies were also reportedly sent to the National Working Committee (NWC), National Executive Committee (NEC), the party’s 2027 presidential and vice-presidential candidates, and the National Legal Adviser.
Why This Internal Crisis Matters
Leadership disagreements are not unusual within political parties, particularly during periods of preparation for major elections.
However, disputes involving constitutional compliance, candidate selection and organisational control often carry wider implications because they can affect party cohesion and public confidence.
For the ADC, the petition highlights the challenge of maintaining internal unity while positioning itself as a competitive force ahead of the 2027 general election.
Where the Matter Stands
For now, the petition has formally placed the dispute before the ADC’s national leadership.
Based on the source article, there has been no reported official ruling on the request for Aregbesola’s removal, while responses from the Interim National Secretary, the party’s leadership and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were not included.
Until those responses emerge, the allegations remain the position of the petitioners and any further action will depend on the party’s internal constitutional processes. This distinction is important for accurate and neutral political reporting.
Political Outlook
The handling of this dispute could become an important test of the ADC’s internal conflict-resolution mechanisms.
Whether the party pursues reconciliation, disciplinary proceedings or another constitutional process may influence not only its organisational stability but also perceptions of its readiness for the political contests leading to the 2027 elections.
Key Questions Readers Are Asking
Why are South-West leaders demanding Aregbesola’s removal?
They allege constitutional breaches, the creation of parallel party structures and interference in candidate selection.
Has Aregbesola responded to the allegations?
The source article does not include any response from him.
Has the ADC removed Aregbesola?
No. The source article only reports that a petition has been submitted requesting his removal.
What happens next?
The matter now rests with the ADC’s national leadership, which will determine whether any constitutional or disciplinary process will follow.
Have your say: Do you think internal party disputes like this could affect the ADC’s preparations for the 2027 elections?
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