The Ogun State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced the suspension of Jimi Adebola Lawal over alleged anti-party activities and unveiled a caretaker committee to oversee the party’s affairs pending the conduct of a state congress.
The State Chairman, Femi Soluade, disclosed the decisions in a statement issued on Saturday in Abeokuta, describing the move as part of efforts to restore stability and internal cohesion within the party.
Soluade said Lawal, a former aide to ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, was suspended for actions allegedly contrary to the ADC’s internal democratic framework.
“We have suspended Mr. Jimi Adebola Lawal and declared him a non-member of the party due to activities inconsistent with the principles and internal democratic framework of the ADC,” he said.
He alleged that Lawal attempted to dominate party structures through what he described as the “systematic acquisition” of two local government structures and the dismantling of existing state and local leadership frameworks.
According to him, the affected local government structures in Ijebu Ode and Sagamu have now been restored to their original leadership to “re-establish internal balance and inclusiveness.”
“Further attempts to take control of party structures at the state or local levels have been halted to protect internal democracy and guarantee equal participation across all tendencies within our coalition,” Soluade added.
The chairman also confirmed the constitution of a caretaker committee to temporarily fill vacant state executive and local government chairmanship positions.
He said the measure was necessary to stabilise party operations ahead of the forthcoming state congress, the date of which has yet to be announced.
“The caretaker committee will oversee the affairs of the party until the state congress is held. Additional appointments into vacant state positions will be announced in the coming days as part of our repositioning strategy ahead of future electoral contests,” he stated.
Soluade explained that interim local government and ward executives would continue to function alongside membership mobilisation, revalidation and registration structures coordinated by Hon. Taiwo Akinlabi and Hon. Mrs. Yemi Layeni.
He further disclosed that evidence relating to alleged “phantom allegations and compromise attempts” would be presented before a competent court.
As part of the restructuring, the ADC state media team was also suspended pending reconstitution.
