On Saturday in Osogbo, African Democratic Congress conducted its state congress in Osun State, where delegates from all 30 local government areas gathered to elect a new set of party executives, with security personnel stationed around the venue to maintain order.
The exercise took place amid strong security presence, as operatives of the police and the Department of State Services monitored activities throughout the event. The congress was overseen by Mudashiru Akinlabi, who led the committee responsible for the process.
During the exercise, party members selected new leaders through a consensus arrangement. Issa Adesiji emerged as the state chairman, while Lani Baderinwa was chosen as the state secretary. Other positions were also filled, including treasurer, women leader, youth leader, and publicity secretary.
After the election, the new chairman addressed party members and urged the executives to prepare for the upcoming governorship election scheduled for August 15, 2026. He called for unity and cooperation among members, noting that the party must work hard to achieve victory in the poll.
He also appealed to party leaders and supporters across the state to back the new executives as they begin preparations for the election. According to him, the party aims to move forward from its current position and build strong support ahead of the contest.
The party’s governorship candidate, Najeem Salaam, who attended the congress with his running mate Yemisi Agiri, also spoke about plans for the state. He said the party intends to focus on development and inclusion if elected into office, adding that different groups would be carried along in decision-making.
The congress marks a step in the party’s preparation for the governorship election, as members begin to organise and mobilise support across the state.