The leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ekiti State is under scrutiny following the submission of a detailed petition by a group of concerned party members. The petition, dated April 30, 2026, and addressed to the State Working Committee (SWC) and State Executive Council (SEC), levels serious allegations against the outgoing state chairman, Hon. Omolayo Ilesanmi, including mismanagement of party funds, acts of disloyalty, and efforts to undermine the party’s internal democracy.
The petitioners allege that Hon. Ilesanmi failed to provide proper documentation or clear justification for the management of over ₦16.6 million in party funds during his tenure, as well as an additional ₦11 million collected from councilors and local government officials for party-related purchases. The petition calls for Ilesanmi to be summoned before the SEC to account for these sums, provide supporting documents, and explain the processes by which these funds were sourced and spent.
Beyond financial impropriety, the petition accuses Hon. Ilesanmi of persistent acts of disloyalty and insubordination, including alleged involvement in the orchestrated removal of the former national chairman and founder of the ADC, and in efforts to destabilize the leadership of Senator David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola. The petitioners claim these actions were detrimental to the party’s cohesion and accuse Ilesanmi of working in favor of rival political interests.
The petition also highlights alleged attempts by Ilesanmi to discredit or nullify the candidacy of Ambassador Dare Bejide, the party’s nominee for the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election, describing such conduct as a violation of the ADC’s commitment to fairness, transparency, and internal democracy.
The concerned members have set forth a series of urgent demands, including:
- Summoning Hon. Ilesanmi to appear before the SEC by May 4, 2026, to provide full financial disclosures and a sworn statement on his tenure and conduct;
- Immediate establishment of an independent investigative panel to audit all relevant party financial transactions between January 2025 and April 2026;
- Disciplinary measures, including possible expulsion, if mismanagement or dishonesty is confirmed, and referral to anti-corruption agencies if criminal liability is found; and
- A public reaffirmation of the ADC’s core values of integrity, accountability, and justice.
The petitioners have given the SWC and SEC a 72-hour ultimatum to take action, warning that failure to do so will result in escalation to the national party leadership and external regulatory agencies.
This development comes as the ADC strives to preserve its reputation for principled politics amid growing scrutiny of party finances and leadership conduct ahead of the 2027 election cycle. Party observers and stakeholders across Ekiti State are watching closely to see how the SWC and SEC respond to these demands for accountability and transparency.
