The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ogun State is embroiled in a leadership crisis following the conduct of parallel governorship primaries that produced two separate winners. Within a span of 24 hours, Jimi Lawal and Biodun Ogundipe were each declared the party’s candidate in rival exercises held on Monday.
At the party secretariat, National Organizing Secretary Adebimpe Adelowo announced that Lawal secured 19,428 votes, defeating Ogundipe who got 5,775 votes, while Dr. Marie Bolaji Odusina polled 4,825 votes. However, at a different venue – Basic Trust International, Oke Ilewo – a separate electoral committee chaired by Adeniyi Adams declared Ogundipe the winner with 9,370 votes against Lawal’s 6,812 and Odusina’s 2,349.
The conflicting results have thrown the party into confusion, with the state publicity secretary, Olumide Onabajo, dismissing the result from the secretariat as null and void. According to Onabajo, the recognized electoral committee was led by Adeniyi Adams and Babatunde Moshood, not Adelowo, and their exercise declared Ogundipe the authentic candidate.
Meanwhile, aspirant Marie Odusina has petitioned the national chairman, Senator David Mark, demanding a fresh primary over alleged irregularities. She cited violations including multiple voting locations within the same ward, lack of official communication about modalities, and staggered voting times, especially in Ogun West. Odusina warned of legal action if her concerns are not addressed.
The controversy deepened as the Ogun State ADC chairman, Femi Soluade, distanced himself from the process, stating he was not involved in conducting the primary and would await clarification from the party leadership.
This dispute comes amid earlier calls by some party members for Lawal’s disqualification over an ongoing ICPC corruption case. The situation highlights deep internal divisions ahead of the 2027 general elections.