Ogun ADC suspends ex-El-Rufai’s aide, Jimi Lawal

By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

Ogun State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has announced the suspension of Jimi Lawal over alleged anti-party activities and unveiled a caretaker committee to oversee the party’s affairs pending a state congress.

State Chairman, Femi Soluade, who disclosed the decisions in a statement made available to journalists in Abeokuta, described the development as part of a broader restructuring aimed at restoring stability within the party.

Soluade declared that Lawal, a former aide to Nasir El-Rufai, was suspended over alleged anti-party activities.

He said, “We have suspended Mr. Jimi Adebola Lawal and declared him a non-member of the party due to activities inconsistent with the principles and internal democratic framework of the ADC.”

He alleged that Lawal attempted to dominate party structures through what he termed the “systematic acquisition” of two local government structures and the dismantling of existing state and local leadership frameworks.

According to him, the local government structures in Ijebu Ode and Sagamu, which were allegedly affected during the crisis, have now been restored to their original leadership to “re-establish internal balance and inclusiveness.”

“Further attempts to take control of party structures at the state or local levels have been halted to protect internal democracy and guarantee equal participation across all tendencies within our coalition,” he added.

The chairman also confirmed the constitution of a caretaker committee to temporarily fill vacant state executive and local government chairmanship positions across the state.

Soluade said the move was necessary to stabilise party structures and ensure continuity of operations ahead of the forthcoming state congress, the date of which is yet to be announced.

“The caretaker committee will oversee the affairs of the party until the state congress is held. Additional appointments into vacant state positions will be announced in the coming days as part of our repositioning strategy ahead of future electoral contests,” he stated.

He explained that interim local government and ward executives would continue to function alongside membership mobilisation, revalidation and registration structures coordinated by Hon. Taiwo Akinlabi and Hon. Mrs. Yemi Layeni to ensure seamless documentation and grassroots mobilisation.

Soluade further disclosed that evidence relating to what he described as “phantom allegations and compromise attempts” would be presented before a competent court of law.

As part of the restructuring, the ADC state media team has also been suspended pending reconstitution, a move party sources said is aimed at strengthening the party’s communication machinery.

Reacting to the development, Lawal dismissed the suspension, insisting that the state chairman lacked the authority to take such action.

Speaking through his media aide, Austin Onyokor, Lawal said: “We don’t want to join issues with Otunba Femi Soluade, he is not the owner of the party. Whatever decision he has taken, certainly he is not the owner of the party.”

“The owners of the party are the national secretariat, and they will address the issue at the appropriate time,” he added.

The post Ogun ADC suspends ex-El-Rufai’s aide, Jimi Lawal appeared first on Vanguard News.