Edo ADC in Turmoil Over Leadership Dispute

The Edo State chapter of the African Democratic Congress has cut ties with the former chairman, Kennedy Odion. He has been suspended along with 10 other members during the party convention on April 14, 2026.

This information came in a statement on Sunday from the new chairman, Tony Alile. The statement was called “Edo State ADC: Putting the record straight.”

Alile said the statement aimed to inform the public about the official stance of the African Democratic Congress in Edo State. He wanted to clear up confusion regarding the leadership and status of the party in the state.

He also warned Odion, saying the party does not recognize him as someone who can act or speak for the ADC. Alile urged him to stop representing himself as an official of the party.

He said, “For the avoidance of doubt, the African Democratic Congress in Edo State wishes to state that Kennedy Odion is not recognized by the party as a member or official.

“According to the records available to the party, Mr. Odion was expelled following disciplinary proceedings concluded at the National Convention held in Abuja on 14 April 2026. In addition, the tenure of the State Executive Committee under which he served expired on 19 May 2026.

“Consequently, the party does not recognize any claim by him to the office of State Chairman, National Secretary, or any other leadership position within the ADC.

“Despite this position, Odion has continued to issue statements and convene meetings in the name of the party. The ADC regards these actions as unauthorized and misleading.

“The party also states that there have been previous incidents involving the use of party facilities and the circulation of party-related materials which it considers unauthorized. These matters are being handled through the appropriate channels.”

Alile asked the public not to see Odion as an official of the ADC. He called on party members, stakeholders, and the general public to check all official communications through the recognized leadership of the party in Edo State and the national leadership of the ADC.

He said the party is united, focused, and committed to building a strong democratic opposition and giving credible leadership for the people of Edo State and Nigeria.

In a chat with the PUNCH, Odion called the statement “a statement of frustration.” He insists he is still the chairman of the party based on the court's ruling.

He said, “The court has already ruled against that purported expulsion and the kangaroo convention. The federal high court declared that convention a nullity. They were not satisfied, they went to Appeal Court, where we also defeated them and the appeal court upheld the judgement of the high court.

“For me, that group is working in delusion and they are in disarray. They should calm down, retrace their steps and see how they can be incorporated back into the party.

“The statement issued by them, for me, is a statement of frustration and parading such documents means they are toying with contempt.

“As far as the law is concerned, I remain the chairman of the party in the state and anybody claiming to be the chairman is doing so illegally.