The Ogun State chapter of the African Democratic Congress has reaffirmed its commitment to elected leadership, warning against attempts to impose a caretaker committee or create parallel leadership structures. In a statement issued on Saturday, the party's Publicity Secretary, Adesina Olanrewaju, emphasized that the executive committee led by Otunba Oluwafemi Soluade remains the legitimate leadership of the party in the state. The party cited its constitution and court decisions to back its stance.
The party specifically mentioned Chief Rauf Aregbesola, stating that he and other individuals cannot unilaterally impose a caretaker arrangement on the state chapter. The ADC Ogun chapter stressed that no individual, regardless of political influence, has the authority to remove an existing leadership structure without following the party's constitutional procedures. The statement described Ogun State as not being a political playground where decisions can be imposed through arrogance or intimidation.
The ADC Ogun chapter maintained that its elected executive committee cannot be dissolved simply because some individuals want a different leadership arrangement to serve their political interests. The party warned that it will not recognize any parallel leadership structure created outside the party's constitution. This stance is based on court decisions that have affirmed the tenure of elected party executives and nullified attempts to impose caretaker committees.
The party cited a Federal High Court judgment delivered in Abuja on April 29, 2026, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/581/2026, which affirmed the tenure of ADC State Working and Executive Committees. Additionally, the Court of Appeal dismissed an appeal against the judgment in Appeal No. CA/ABJ/CV/608/2026. These court decisions reinforce the need for party leaders to respect constitutional provisions and court judgments.
The ADC Ogun chapter also cited a November 3, 2026 judgment of the Federal High Court in Ibadan, which declared the purported interim executive committee led by Afeez Adelowo Jimoh in Oyo State illegal. This judgment affirmed the four-year tenure of the Yinka Olona-led executive committee. The party emphasized that these judgments demonstrate the importance of adhering to the party's constitution and court decisions.
The ADC Ogun chapter called on the national leadership of the ADC to intervene and prevent attempts to undermine the party's elected structure in Ogun State. The party also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission and other stakeholders to respect existing court decisions and the party's constitutional provisions. The party's statement concluded by emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law and the supremacy of the party's constitution.
The Ogun ADC's insistence on elected leadership and its warning against political interference reflect the party's commitment to internal democracy and the principles of democratic governance. The party's stance has significant implications for the party's leadership structure in Ogun State and may have broader implications for the party's national leadership and relationships with other stakeholders.
Key points
- The Ogun State chapter of the African Democratic Congress warns against attempts to impose a caretaker committee or parallel leadership structures.
- The party cites court decisions and its constitution to back its stance on elected leadership.
- The party calls on the national leadership of the ADC and stakeholders to respect existing court decisions and the party's constitutional provisions.
