By joshua 
Barrister Kolade Emerges Kogi West Zonal Chairman as ADC Holds State Congress
…also elected is state chairman amid calls for unity ahead of 2026 National Convention
A legal luminary, Barrister Adegboyega Kolade was on Saturday elected Zonal Chairman and Vice Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for Kogi West of the party at the Kogi State level during the ADC State Congress held in Lokoja.
The congress, which drew delegates from the 21 local government areas of the state, was conducted under tight security and was monitored by officials of the party and other relevant agencies.
Kolade’s emergence was by consensus, following wide consultations among stakeholders and delegates from Kogi West Senatorial District. Party leaders described his election as a strategic move to strengthen the ADC’s grassroots structure ahead of the party’s National Convention slated for April 14, 2026.
Speaking shortly after his election, Barrister Kolade thanked delegates for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to work for the unity and growth of the party across the zone and the state.
“This mandate is a call to service. Our immediate task is to reconcile all interests, mobilize our people at the ward and local government levels, and reposition ADC as the credible alternative Kogi people deserve,” he said.
“Kogi West will lead by example. We will run an open-door administration, deepen internal democracy, and ensure that every member has a voice. As State Vice Chairman, I will also work closely with the state executive to build a formidable structure that can win elections.”
Delegates at the congress also elected other state executive members where Hon. Tom Zakari emerged as State chairman and reaffirmed their support for the Senator David Mark led national leadership of the party. The congress adopted far reaching resolutions on membership drive, dispute resolution, and early preparations for the forthcoming national convention.
Kolade commended the peaceful conduct of delegates and urged aggrieved members to explore internal mechanisms to resolve disputes, noting that the strength of the ADC lies in its adherence to the rule of law and party supremacy.
The Kogi State Congress is part of the nationwide congresses being held by the ADC to elect new executives at the state and zonal levels ahead of its National Convention.