A Federal High Court in Abeokuta has declared Jimi Adebisi Lawal as the authentic governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the forthcoming Ogun State governorship election.
The judgment, delivered on Thursday by Justice Abiodun Adeyemi, resolved the prolonged leadership and candidature dispute that had split the party into rival factions, each laying claim to the governorship ticket.
In Suit No. FHC/AB/CS/97/2026, the court held that the primary election that produced Lawal complied with the Electoral Act, the ADC Constitution, and all other statutory requirements. Justice Adeyemi further ruled that the exercise was duly monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), making it the only valid governorship primary recognized under the law.
The court subsequently directed INEC to recognize Lawal as the ADC’s official governorship candidate and reflect his name in its records as the party’s flag bearer.
Reacting to the judgment, Ogun State ADC Chairman, Femi Soluade, described the verdict as a triumph for democracy and urged party members to put the dispute behind them.
He stressed the need for unity ahead of the governorship election, saying there should be “no victor and no vanquished” as all members remain part of one political family.
Soluade also disclosed that the party would immediately commence reconciliation efforts to reunite aggrieved members and strengthen its structures across the state.
Speaking after the ruling, Lawal described the judgment as a vindication of his mandate after months of uncertainty surrounding the party’s primary election.
He said he had endured sleepless nights since May because he believed the outcome of the primary had been unfairly disputed despite what he described as a landslide victory.
Lawal commended the judiciary for upholding the rule of law and extended an olive branch to his main challenger, Biodun Collins Ogundipe, pledging to work with all stakeholders to reposition the party.
According to him, unity remains the only path to building a formidable opposition capable of challenging the ruling party in the forthcoming election.
He maintained that he remains open to reconciliation, expressing confidence that the combined experience and youthful energy within the party would strengthen the ADC’s chances at the polls.
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