Citing the crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC), at the national level, the party’s Ondo State chapter has suspended its ward, local government, and state congresses earlier scheduled to choose its new leaders statewide.
Specifically it said that the move was in compliance with the directive of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The commission had derecognised the party’s National leadership led by Senator David Mark as National chairman and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary.
Ondo State ADC chairman, Mr Wole Ademoyegun, said that INEC had directed concerned parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum, hence the resolve to put on hold the congresses.
In a statement signed by him, he said that INEC remains the constitutionally mandated regulatory authority for party affairs, and any deviation from its guidance would amount to a violation of electoral laws.
HE explained that the party would not proceed with any congresses until further clarity is received from the commission.
Appealing to all members and stakeholders of the party to remain calm, maintain unity, and exercise the highest level of discipline during this period, the state leadership of the party advised against any form of activity that may contravene the directive of INEC or disrupt the peace and order within the party.
He said that security agencies have also been placed on alert to monitor and prevent any unlawful gatherings conducted under the guise of party activities.
According to the statement, “This decision is taken in strict compliance with the directive of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) directing all concerned parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum.
“Accordingly, all members and stakeholders of the party are hereby enjoined to remain calm, maintain unity, and exercise the highest level of discipline during this period.
“The party strongly advises against any form of activity that may contravene the directive of INEC or disrupt the peace and order within the party.
“The ADC Ondo State Chapter remains committed to democratic principles, internal cohesion and proper political conduct. Further updates will be communicated in line with guidance from the appropriate regulatory authorities.”
