A Federal High Court in Abeokuta has declared Jimi Lawal the authentic ADC governorship candidate for Ogun State. The ruling directs INEC to update its records accordingly. The decision comes amid ongoing internal party disputes.
The Federal High Court sitting in Abeokuta, Ogun State, affirmed Mr. Jimi Lawal as the authentic governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress for the forthcoming Ogun State governorship election on July 23, 2026. Justice Abiodun Jordan Adeyemi delivered the judgment in Suit No. FHC/AB/CS/97/2026. The court held that the primary election complied with the Electoral Act, the ADC Constitution and other statutory provisions, and that it was monitored by INEC.
Justice Adeyemi declared Lawal the party’s flag bearer and ordered INEC to reflect his name in its official records. ADC State Chairman Otunba Femi Soluade described the verdict as a victory for democracy. He said the party would now focus on reconciliation and rebuilding structures ahead of the election.
Lawal expressed gratitude and called for unity within the party. He stated that he had reached out to his challenger, Dr. Biodun Collins Ogundipe, and urged stakeholders to work together. Ogundipe rejected the judgment and announced plans to appeal to the Court of Appeal, citing a letter dated July 1, 2026, regarding the status of the state chairman at the time of the primary.
