Ogun ADC Chair, Soluade Warns Political Opportunists, Self-Serving Actors Against Disrupting Party, As INEC Recognitions Mark, Aregbesola
•OYENIYI AWOJOODU
IBADAN – THE Ogun State Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Otunba Olufemi Soluade, has issued a stern warning to what he described as “desperate political opportunists and self-serving actors” attempting to misinform the public and destabilize the party.
His statement follows the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) recognition of Senator David Mark as National Chairman and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary of the ADC.INEC, in an official update on September 10, named Mark and Aregbesola alongside other officers as the new leaders of the party, bringing clarity after weeks of internal wrangling.
Soluade insisted that the recognition settles all questions of legitimacy, adding that any contrary claims are misleading and harmful to the party’s progress at both national and state levels.
The Ogun ADC chairman cautioned against further campaigns of misinformation, stressing that the party constitution provides avenues for grievances to be addressed.
“No member should resort to cheap propaganda or falsehood that could weaken our unity,” he said, noting that disorganization only benefits rival political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Soluade also highlighted the ripple effect of national disputes on state chapters, warning that Ogun ADC could face fragmentation if members fail to align with the new leadership.
He called for immediate cooperation with the Mark-Aregbesola team, urging members to prioritize collective goals over personal ambitions.While welcoming INEC’s recognition, Soluade acknowledged ongoing legal challenges, including a recent Abuja Federal High Court order restraining Mark and Aregbesola from parading themselves as leaders.
He, however, maintained that INEC’s decision remains binding unless overturned by a higher judicial ruling, and appealed for discipline and respect for due process within the party.
In the meantime, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) through its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullah has dismissed reports suggesting that Senator David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola were restrained from functioning as the party’s National Chairman and National Secretary.
The party clarified that the Federal High Court in Abuja, under Justice Emeka Nwite, on September 4, 2025, refused an ex-parte application filed by Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe.
Instead, the court directed that the defendants be notified to appear and adjourned the matter to September 15, 2025.
Reacting to the clarification, Otunba Olufemi Soluade, ADC Ogun State Chairman, aligned with the party’s national leadership, stressing that misinformation was being spread to create confusion.
“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,” Soluade stated.
He commended INEC for recognizing the leadership changes in the party, describing it as a decision “in line with the will of the Nigerian people.”
Soluade further cautioned detractors within and outside the party to desist from misinforming the public and warned the media to be vigilant in verifying reports. “Fake news is the last resort of desperate mischief makers. Nigerians deserve truth, not deception,” he said.
The Ogun State ADC chairman reassured members and supporters that the party remains united and focused on its mission to strengthen democracy in Nigeria under the recognized leadership of Mark and Aregbesola.