The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ogun State has issued a stern warning to its members, advising them to refrain from dragging the party to court over internal disagreements. The party's State Publicity Secretary, Olumide Onabajo, signed a statement on Sunday in Abeokuta, stating that members who engage in such litigation risk paying a minimum fine of N20 million. This warning comes amid concerns over the persistent resort to litigation over matters that should be resolved through internal mechanisms.
According to Onabajo, some individuals who recently defected to the ADC from other parties are behind the litigation, possibly with sponsorship from outside interests afraid of the party's growing strength in Ogun. The party cited Section 83(5) of the Electoral Act 2026, which stipulates that no court shall entertain jurisdiction over any suit pertaining to the internal affairs of a political party. This section aims to prevent unnecessary court actions and promote internal dispute resolution.
The ADC referenced recent court decisions where judges imposed heavy costs on parties and lawyers for frivolous political suits. For instance, the Federal High Court dismissed a suit by the Adolphus Wabara-led PDP Board of Trustees, slapping N140 million in costs on the plaintiffs and N10 million on their counsel for abuse of court process. Similar cases were cited, including a Lagos Federal High Court dismissal of suit FHC/L/CS/1651/2024.
Onabajo expressed the party's confidence in the judiciary but urged courts to stop allowing political actors to weaponize the legal process against parties. He emphasized that every unnecessary court action drains resources meant for mobilisation and election preparation. The party called on all aggrieved members to opt for dialogue and reconciliation instead of litigation.
The Ogun ADC stressed that it is "too strong to be destroyed from within." The party's leadership believes that incessant litigation can distract and divide the party, hindering its progress. Onabajo referenced Section 83(6)(b) of the Electoral Act 2026, which prescribes a cost of not less than N10 million against the counsel who filed the action and N10 million against the plaintiff.
The warning comes as the party seeks to present a united front ahead of future elections. The ADC encouraged its members to focus on building and reconciling rather than engaging in costly and divisive litigation. Onabajo concluded by urging members to work together to move the party forward.
The party's call for an end to litigation and division is seen as a move to strengthen its internal cohesion and prepare for upcoming electoral challenges. With this warning, the Ogun ADC aims to maintain its stability and growth in the state.
Key points
- The Ogun ADC has warned members against litigation over internal disagreements, risking a N20 million fine.
- The party cited Section 83(5) of the Electoral Act 2026, which prohibits court jurisdiction over internal party affairs.
- The ADC encourages dialogue and reconciliation among aggrieved members instead of litigation.
