By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

The Ogun State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on members to prioritise dialogue and reconciliation in resolving internal disagreements ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party made the call on Sunday in Abeokuta through its State Publicity Secretary, Hon. Olumide Onabajo, who said prolonged disputes could divert attention from the party’s organisational activities and preparations for the elections.

Onabajo said members with grievances should make use of the party’s internal mechanisms for resolving disagreements before considering legal action, where appropriate.

He expressed concern over what he described as the increasing resort to litigation over matters which, in his view, could be addressed through dialogue and the party’s established procedures.

“While we will not pronounce anyone guilty on the basis of allegations, the frequency and pattern of litigation against the ADC in Ogun State demand serious reflection by every genuine member of the party,” he said.

The spokesman said the ADC had continued to develop its structures in the state and urged members to ensure that disagreements did not undermine the party’s organisational efforts.

“It is therefore troubling that almost every disagreement within the party appears to generate another lawsuit,” he said.

According to him, courts should not become “alternative meeting rooms for political parties,” arguing that internal mechanisms should be explored where disputes can reasonably be resolved within the organisation.

He, however, acknowledged that party members retain their lawful rights to seek judicial intervention in matters that fall within the jurisdiction of the courts.

“We acknowledge that legitimate pre-election disputes recognised by the Constitution and Electoral Act may still fall within the jurisdiction of the courts,” Onabajo said.

He said the party’s position was not intended to prevent anyone from seeking justice, but to encourage members to consider dialogue and internal dispute-resolution procedures where appropriate.

Onabajo also referred to provisions of Section 83 of the Electoral Act 2026 in making the party’s case for resolving certain internal disagreements through established party mechanisms.

He urged party leaders, aspirants, stakeholders and other members to place the interests of the organisation above individual differences and ambitions.

“There will be disagreements. There will be competing ambitions. There will be differences of opinion. These are normal features of democratic politics. But disagreements must not become permanent wars,” he said.

The spokesman urged aggrieved members to embrace dialogue and reconciliation in resolving disagreements.

“Let us sit together. Let us talk. Let us reconcile. Let us forgive one another where necessary. Let us place the ADC above individual ambition,” he added.

Onabajo said time and resources devoted to prolonged disputes could otherwise be directed towards mobilisation, organisation, policy development and preparations for the 2027 elections.

He said the Ogun chapter would continue to welcome new members from across the political spectrum and urged all members to contribute to strengthening the party.

“Anyone joining ADC must come to build, not to destroy; to unite, not to divide; to strengthen, not to weaken,” he said.

Onabajo added that the Ogun ADC would remain focused on strengthening its structures and preparing for the forthcoming elections.

“ADC Ogun State will not be distracted. We shall continue to strengthen our structures, reconcile our members, defend the democratic choices of our people and prepare ourselves to present credible candidates capable of providing purposeful leadership to Ogun State,” he said.