Ogun ADC stands firm against caretaker committees and fake leadership

The Ogun State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected the creation of caretaker committees and the appointment of fake state leadership structures. The party insists that the executive committee led by Oluwafemi Soluade is the only legitimate leadership in the state.

In a statement released on Saturday, the party accused some political figures of trying to disrupt its established structures. They described these actions as arbitrary decisions, political intimidation, and ignoring the party's rules.

The statement, signed by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Adesina Olanrewaju, warned that no one, no matter their political power, could force a caretaker committee on the Ogun chapter without following the proper processes.

The party directly criticized what it called political arrogance and attempts to impose leadership. The Ogun ADC declared that it would fight any effort to break down its existing executive structure outside the recognized constitutional ways.

“Ogun State is not a political playground. The ADC in Ogun State is not anyone's personal estate where decisions can be made through arrogance, intimidation, or unilateral announcements.

“The so-called caretaker arrangements threaten our internal democracy and the rule of law. This is especially true if they happen without the necessary approvals from the right national bodies,” the statement said.

Reaffirming its stance, the Ogun ADC stated that it recognizes and intends to defend the executive committee led by Oluwafemi Soluade.

The statement emphasized that an elected party leadership cannot just be thrown away because some powerful individuals want a different political setup.

“An elected party structure cannot be easily discarded just because some people suddenly want a different leadership.

“You cannot build a political party on democracy and then destroy that same foundation simply because the current leaders do not meet some individuals' political desires,” the statement added.

The party also warned against creating fake leadership structures. They believe this could cause confusion, weaken established institutions, and reduce members’ trust in the party’s democracy.

To support its position, the Ogun ADC pointed to court rulings that confirmed the ongoing tenure of elected state party executives. These rulings also limited the holding of congresses outside the party's rules.

They mentioned Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/581/2026, where the Federal High Court in Abuja, led by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, ruled on April 29, 2026. This judgment affirmed the ongoing tenure of the ADC's state working and executive committees.

According to the statement, the court ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission not to recognize or take part in state congresses set up by the caretaker leaders. It also stated that the caretaker or interim National Working Committee does not have the power to set up committees for these congresses.

The Ogun chapter noted that this decision was appealed in the Court of Appeal under Appeal No. CA/ABJ/CV/608/2026. However, the appeal was dismissed, and the court upheld the restrictions on congresses held outside the party's rules.

The party also referenced a judgment from November 3, 2026, from the Federal High Court in Ibadan, overseen by Justice U.N. Agomoh, in Suit No. FHC/IB/CS/50/2026. The court ruled that the fake interim executive committee led by Afeez Adelowo Jimoh was illegal and confirmed the four-year tenure of the Oyo State Executive Committee led by Yinka Olona.

The Ogun ADC argued that these court decisions stress the importance of political parties respecting their own rules and following court orders instead of letting personal interests override established processes.

“These court rulings cannot be seen as suggestions that people can follow when it suits them and ignore when it does not.

“The judiciary is not a decoration. Court judgments are not political advice. The rule of law does not change based on anyone’s personal views,” the statement concluded.