A Federal High Court in Abeokuta has declared Jimi Adebisi Lawal as the valid governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress for the forthcoming Ogun State governorship election.
Justice Abiodun Adeyemi delivered the judgment on Thursday, bringing an end to the dispute over the party’s governorship ticket after rival factions laid claim to the nomination.
The court ruled that the primary election that produced Lawal complied with the Electoral Act and the provisions of the ADC constitution. It also found that the exercise was properly monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission and met all legal requirements.
The case, marked FHC/AB/CS/97/2026, challenged the legitimacy of the governorship primary that resulted in multiple claimants to the party’s ticket. After reviewing the evidence, the court held that the primary which produced Lawal remained the only valid governorship election conducted by the party.
Following the judgment, the court directed INEC to recognise Lawal as the authentic governorship candidate of the ADC and update its official records to reflect his status as the party’s flag bearer for the election.
Reacting to the ruling, the Ogun State Chairman of the ADC, Femi Soluade, welcomed the decision and described it as an opportunity for the party to move forward. He said the leadership would begin efforts to reunite members from both factions and strengthen the party ahead of the governorship poll.
Lawal also welcomed the judgment, saying it ended months of uncertainty over the party’s primary election. He maintained that he emerged as the rightful winner of the contest and expressed appreciation to the judiciary for resolving the matter.
The governorship hopeful also extended a hand of reconciliation to his main challenger, Biodun Collins Ogundipe, saying he was ready to work with every member of the party in the interest of the ADC and Ogun State.
He added that unity within the party would be necessary as it prepares to challenge the ruling party in the forthcoming election.