A fresh twist has emerged in the leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Oyo State, following an announcement that the Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan has nullified the executive structures allegedly led by Afeez Adelowo Jimoh in Ona-Ara Local Government Area.
The development was announced in a breaking statement issued by Bimpe Adelowo, Esq., the Oyo State Publicity Secretary of the ADC.
According to the statement, the court's decision represents a significant development in the ongoing struggle over the legitimacy of the party's leadership structures in the state.
The announcement reads:
“Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan nullifies Afeez Adelowo Jimoh (Ona-Ara)-led Oyo State ADC illegal executive structures.
Details later.”
However, a further clarification accompanying the announcement indicates that the final judgment in the matter is expected next week.
The clarification also expressed confidence that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would take the necessary steps once the court delivers its final judgment.
It concluded with a reassuring message to party members and supporters: “No worries.”
What the development means for Oyo ADC
The latest development comes against the background of the wider leadership crisis within the ADC, which has generated competing claims over the legitimacy of party executives, congresses and the authority to conduct party affairs.
The dispute has raised important questions about internal party democracy, constitutional compliance and the extent to which political party structures must operate within the provisions of their constitutions and applicable electoral laws.
Indeed, the ADC's leadership disputes have attracted judicial attention at different levels. In April 2026, the Federal High Court in Abuja delivered a judgment restraining INEC from recognising certain state congresses organised by committees appointed by the David Mark-led national leadership. The Court of Appeal subsequently affirmed that decision in July 2026.
The broader controversy demonstrates how unresolved internal party disputes can create complications for political organisations preparing for the 2027 general elections.
INEC's expected role
For the Oyo State ADC stakeholders, attention is now focused on the anticipated final judgment next week and its implications for the party's recognised leadership structures.
INEC's responsibility in such circumstances is to comply with valid and subsisting court orders and applicable electoral laws. The commission's position on disputed party structures cannot simply be determined by competing political declarations.
Consequently, the final court decision will be particularly important in establishing the legal position and determining the appropriate administrative steps.
While the latest announcement has generated optimism among the faction that issued it, the precise scope of the court's pronouncement and the identities of the affected executives will become clearer when the full judgment and enrolled court orders are available.
For now, the message from the Oyo ADC publicity office is clear: the party is confident that the judicial process will resolve the controversy, with INEC expected to do the needful after the final judgment.
The battle for the legitimate ADC structure in Oyo State is far from over, but next week's court decision could prove decisive.
Signed:
Bimpe Adelowo, Esq.
State Publicity Secretary
African Democratic Congress (ADC), Oyo State.
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