…Members urged to ignore disputed directive pending resolution
A fresh leadership dispute has emerged within the African Democratic Congress, (ADC) in Ogun State following a strong rebuttal to a press release that allegedly announced the suspension of Jimi Adebola Lawal and the appointment of a caretaker committee across state and local government structures.
The rebuttal, issued by the party’s state Publicity Secretary, Olumide Onabajo, on behalf of the party’s leadership in Ogun State, described the earlier announcement attributed to Otunba Femi Soluade as unconstitutional, null and void, insisting that no valid process was followed to justify the decisions contained in the disputed release.
According to the statement, Lawal remains a bona fide member and leader of the party, stressing that no constitutional disciplinary procedure was initiated or concluded to warrant any suspension.
The leadership further argued that the party’s constitution does not grant unilateral powers to a state chairman to suspend members, particularly senior party leaders, without following due process and securing ratification from appropriate party organs.
The statement maintained that disciplinary actions within the party must follow established constitutional provisions, including fair hearing and institutional approval from recognized decision-making bodies.
It also challenged the legality of the reported dissolution of elected party executives and the subsequent announcement of caretaker committees at both state and local government levels.
The statement noted that such actions, if carried out without constitutional backing, amount to a violation of internal democratic procedures and established governance structures.
The Statement insisted that no valid meeting of the State Executive Committee was convened to approve the dissolution of any party structure across the state.
It also denied that any recognized organ of the party sanctioned the suspension of Lawal or approved the constitution of any interim or caretaker executive body.
The state leadership reiterated its commitment to inclusiveness, internal democracy and strict adherence to constitutional provisions guiding party administration.
Members and stakeholders were urged to disregard the earlier disputed press release, pending resolution through constitutional party mechanisms.
The statement assured party faithful that steps were already being taken to safeguard the integrity of the party and prevent what it described as abuse of office or misrepresentation of authority.
It further emphasized that the party remains united and focused on strengthening its structures across the state.
Stakeholders within the party are expected to await further clarification from higher party organs or the national leadership on the matter.
