The Ogun State Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Otunba Olufemi Soluade, has issued a firm warning to “desperate political opportunists and self-serving individuals” attempting to undermine the party’s stability.
This statement follows the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) recent formal recognition of Senator David Mark as the party’s National Chairman and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary.
On Wednesday, September 10, 2025, INEC published an official update confirming Mark and Aregbesola’s appointments along with other party officers, resolving weeks of internal disputes.
In a press release shared with PUNCH Online on Friday, Soluade emphasized that INEC’s recognition settles any doubts about the legitimacy of the new leadership.
He cautioned that opposing claims are “misleading and detrimental to the party’s progress nationally and at the state level.”
He also condemned ongoing misinformation campaigns, reminding members that the party constitution provides clear channels for addressing grievances.
“No member should resort to baseless propaganda or falsehoods that could weaken our unity,” Soluade stressed, noting that internal disarray only benefits rival parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Highlighting the risk of national conflicts fracturing the party at the state level, Soluade urged members to support the new leadership and prioritize collective goals over personal ambitions.
Acknowledging ongoing legal proceedings, he maintained that INEC’s decision remains authoritative unless overturned by a higher court. He called for discipline and respect for due process within the party ranks.
The statement also clarified a recent court order, dismissing rumors that Senator Mark and Ogbeni Aregbesola had been barred from their roles.
According to Mallam Bolaji Abdullah, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, the Federal High Court in Abuja on September 4, 2025, rejected an ex-parte application and instead ordered the defendants to be notified to appear, with the matter adjourned to September 15, 2025.
Responding to this, Soluade said, “The Federal High Court never granted any injunction against Senator David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola. Those spreading such lies are frustrated individuals seeking relevance.”
He further urged detractors to “stop spreading misinformation” and called on the media to verify reports carefully.
“Fake news is the last tool of desperate troublemakers. Nigerians deserve truth, not deception,” he concluded, reassuring party members that the ADC remains united and focused under the recognized leadership of Mark and Aregbesola.
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