The Ogun State Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Otunba Olufemi Soluade, has issued a strong warning to what he described as “desperate political opportunists and self-serving actors” allegedly working to destabilise the party amid ongoing leadership disputes.
The warning comes in the wake of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s formal recognition of Senator David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as the party’s National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively. INEC’s updated list of party executives, released on Wednesday, 10 September, brought clarity to the party’s national leadership crisis after weeks of internal wrangling.
In a statement made available to the media on Friday, Soluade described INEC’s decision as final and binding, stating that it puts to rest all questions of legitimacy surrounding the party’s leadership.
“INEC’s recognition of Senator Mark and Ogbeni Aregbesola settles the issue. Any contrary claims are misleading and harmful to the party’s progress at both national and state levels,” Soluade said.
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He warned against what he called “campaigns of misinformation” and discouraged party members from spreading falsehoods or resorting to “cheap propaganda” that could erode party unity.
“Our constitution provides clear channels for dispute resolution. No member should engage in actions that weaken our cohesion. Disorganisation only benefits our political rivals, especially ahead of the 2027 general elections,” he added.
Soluade emphasised the need for discipline, calling on members to prioritise collective interest over personal ambition. He noted that national-level disputes have the potential to cause unnecessary fragmentation within state chapters.
“Let us align with the new leadership and move forward as one united party,” he said.
Soluade also addressed recent legal interpretations surrounding the legitimacy of the new national officers. He clarified that a Federal High Court ruling on 4 September 2025 did not grant any injunction restraining Senator Mark or Aregbesola from functioning in their new capacities.
According to the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullah, the court only declined an ex-parte application and adjourned the matter to 15 September 2025, instructing that the defendants be properly served.
Reacting to this, Soluade stated:
“The Federal High Court never granted any injunction against Senator David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola. Those sponsoring these lies are simply frustrated individuals seeking relevance.”
The Ogun ADC chairman urged media organisations to verify information thoroughly before publishing, warning that the spread of fake news could damage the party’s integrity.
“Fake news is the last resort of desperate mischief makers. Nigerians deserve truth, not deception,” he said.
