Ogun ADC Suspends Lawal

The Ogun State chapter of the African Democratic Congress is currently embroiled in a severe internal power struggle following the announced suspension of Jimi Adebola Lawal, a high-profile member and former aide to Nasir El-Rufai. State Chairman Femi Soluade disclosed the suspension on Saturday in Abeokuta, leveling accusations of anti-party activities and a deliberate attempt by Lawal to hijack party structures. Soluade asserted that Lawal was attempting to dismantle existing leadership frameworks to consolidate his own control, particularly within local government structures in Ijebu Ode and Sagamu.

The party leadership stated that Lawal’s actions were inconsistent with the ADC’s internal democratic framework, leading to his declaration as a non-member of the party. In response to the alleged crisis, Soluade announced the immediate restoration of the local government structures in Ijebu Ode and Sagamu to their original leadership to ensure balance. Furthermore, a caretaker committee has been inaugurated to steer the party’s affairs and oversee operations until a state congress is held to elect new substantive officers.

This restructuring effort also included the suspension of the ADC state media team, pending a complete reconstitution to strengthen the party’s communication machinery. Soluade emphasized that the measures were necessary to protect the party’s integrity and ensure equal participation across all tendencies within the coalition. He further disclosed that evidence relating to alleged phantom allegations and compromise attempts by Lawal would be presented before a competent court.

Jimi Lawal, however, has swiftly rejected the suspension, dismissing the move as an illegal action taken by a chairman lacking the authority to impose such sanctions. Speaking through his media aide, Austin Onyokor, Lawal labeled the suspension null and void, asserting that only the national secretariat holds the power to take such disciplinary actions against a leader of his stature. Lawal maintained that he remains a bona fide member and leader of the party, indicating that the national leadership would address the procedural infractions committed by the state chapter.