Ogun ADC suspends chairman over rally disruption

The African Democratic Congress in Ogun State has passed a vote of no confidence in its chairman, Femi Soluade, suspending him from office pending the outcome of investigations into allegations levelled against him.

The party condemned what it described as his alleged involvement in leading armed men to disrupt the governorship declaration of Jimi Lawal held on Saturday at the Intercontinental Hotel, Ibara, Abeokuta.

In a statement on Sunday signed by its Publicity Secretary, Olumide Onabajo, the party said, “Such unruly conduct, if established after due investigation, is not only unbecoming of a party leader but also constitutes a serious breach of party discipline and a threat to public peace and safety.”

It announced the appointment of the deputy chairman, Prince Adedeji Abiodun, as acting state chairman pending the conclusion of the probe and further decisions by the party’s leadership.

The party also set up a disciplinary panel to investigate the allegations and submit its report to the State Executive Committee within 14 days.

Part of the statement read, “The State Executive Committee of our great party, at its duly convened meeting held on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at the party secretariat, deliberated extensively on the numerous allegations levelled against the State Chairman, Otunba Dr Femi Soluade.

“After exhaustive deliberations and careful consideration of the gravity of the issues presented, the State Executive Committee unanimously passed a vote of no confidence in him. The vote of no confidence was duly signed by all local government chairmen present and members of the State Executive Committee, reflecting the collective position of the party leadership at both the state and local government levels.

The committee particularly condemns in strong terms the incident of Saturday, February 14, 2026, at the Intercontinental Hotel, Ibara, where a peaceful gathering was ongoing for the public declaration of the governorship aspiration of Jimi Lawal. The State Chairman arrived at the venue, accompanied by armed thugs, disrupted the event and caused serious chaos.

Such conduct, if established after due investigation, is not only unbecoming of a party leader but also constitutes a serious breach of party discipline and a threat to public peace and safety. Consequently, and in line with the provisions of the party constitution, the State Executive Committee hereby announces the immediate suspension of Otunba Dr Femi Soluade as State Chairman, pending the outcome of further investigations.

“Furthermore, the SEC has constituted a disciplinary committee to thoroughly investigate all the allegations brought against him, including the events at the Intercontinental Hotel, Ibara. The committee has been given 14 days to submit its findings and recommendations.”

The party said the decision was taken in the best interest of the organisation and to preserve internal democracy, accountability, discipline and unity.

It added that due process would be followed and that fairness and justice would guide the proceedings.

“We urge all members to remain calm, law-abiding and committed to the ideals of our party during this period. Further updates will be communicated as developments unfold,” the statement added.

When contacted, Soluade dismissed the action, describing it as a joke.

Culled from punch