Alltimepost.com Sincerity of Purpose
African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Thursday conducted its ward and local government congresses across Edo State, electing new leaders in all 192 wards and 18 local government areas as part of efforts to reposition the party ahead of future elections.
The exercise, which comes amid a lingering leadership crisis within the party, was widely reported to have been peaceful, with many of the executives emerging through consensus arrangements.
Party officials said the successful conduct of the grassroots congresses signals readiness for the state congress scheduled for Saturday, April 11.
In Egor Local Government Area, Isaac Emokpae emerged as chairman alongside a 30-member executive committee, all elected by consensus.
At the Egor LGA secretariat located near Uwelu Spare Parts Market, members, clad in party attire, began arriving as early as 10 a.m., while the congress was formally called to order at about 12:10 p.m., leading to the emergence of the new leadership.
Addressing party faithful shortly after his emergence, Emokpae dismissed claims of factionalisation within the party in the area, declaring that the ADC in Egor remains united.
“This is a new era—an era of positive change, victory and progress for well-meaning Nigerians. I call on our people to embrace this moving train, the ADC, as a platform to address bad governance, insecurity, hunger and inflation in the country.
“In Edo, as you can see, most of the executives have been returned. We are united and there is no division. Anyone claiming otherwise is on his own,” he said.
In Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, the LGA Chairman, Aiyegunle Ofunime, also confirmed a smooth exercise, noting that leaders across the 10 wards were returned through consensus.
“We have no issues here. The exercise went smoothly in all the wards. The results will be forwarded to the senatorial headquarters before transmission to Benin,” he said
Similar reports of peaceful and consensus-driven congresses were recorded in several other wards and local government areas across the state, as the party moves to consolidate its structure ahead of the forthcoming state congress.
