Fresh controversy has erupted within the Ogun State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following conflicting claims over the outcome of the party’s governorship primary ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The faction of the party led by Emmanuel Famojuro on Tuesday declared Dr. Biodun Ogundipe, a Canada-based Artificial Intelligence expert, as the authentic winner of the governorship primary, insisting that he remains the duly recognised candidate of the party for the 2027 governorship election in Ogun State.
The faction made its position known in a statement issued to journalists and signed by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Olumide Onabajo. The statement strongly rejected an earlier announcement that had declared Otunba Jimi Lawal as the winner of the primary election.
According to the statement, the declaration made by one Adebimpe Adelowo, who reportedly announced the result at the party’s state secretariat on Monday, was unauthorized, illegal and of no effect.
The crisis deepened after Adelowo, said to be the Secretary of the Ogun State Primary Election Committee constituted by another leadership bloc within the party, announced that Otunba Jimi Lawal had emerged victorious in the governorship primary.
Lawal, a former aide to former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, was declared winner after reportedly polling 19,428 votes to defeat Dr. Biodun Ogundipe, who allegedly secured 5,775 votes, while Dr. Marie Odusina garnered 4,825 votes.
However, the Famojuro-led faction immediately dismissed the exercise and its outcome, insisting that the process lacked legitimacy and did not follow the constitutional procedures of the party.
The statement maintained that Adelowo was never a recognised member of the authentic primary election committee and therefore lacked the authority to announce any result on behalf of the party.
“The purported declaration of Otunba Jimi Lawal as the winner of the ADC governorship primary in Ogun State is null and void. The individual who made the announcement is not a member of the duly constituted committee recognised by the party leadership,” the statement noted.
The faction further argued that only the recognised leadership of the party in the state possesses the constitutional powers to organise and supervise governorship primaries, adding that any parallel exercise conducted outside its authority cannot stand.
According to the group, Dr. Biodun Ogundipe emerged through a legitimate process endorsed by party stakeholders and supervised by officials recognised by the factional leadership of the ADC in Ogun State.
Party officials loyal to Famojuro described Ogundipe as a globally respected technology expert whose international experience and professional background in Artificial Intelligence place him in a strong position to provide innovative governance and economic transformation for Ogun State.
Supporters of Ogundipe also argued that his candidacy represents a shift toward modern governance driven by technology, innovation and data-oriented policies capable of addressing unemployment, industrial growth and infrastructural development in the state.
The disagreement has now exposed deep divisions within the Ogun ADC ahead of the 2027 elections, with observers warning that the prolonged internal crisis could weaken the party’s chances if not resolved quickly.
Political analysts say the development reflects the growing struggle for control of party structures as preparations intensify for the next electoral cycle across the country. The ADC, like several other opposition parties, has recently witnessed heightened political activity as aspirants and factions battle for influence and strategic positioning.
The emergence of Otunba Jimi Lawal as a major contender had already generated attention within Ogun political circles due to his political background and association with former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai. His supporters believe he possesses the political network and administrative experience needed to strengthen the party’s chances in the state.
On the other hand, Ogundipe’s camp insists that the focus should remain on credibility, competence and the legitimacy of the primary process rather than political connections.
Meanwhile, efforts to resolve the dispute are expected to intensify in the coming days as both camps continue to insist on the authenticity of their claims. Political stakeholders within the party are reportedly concerned that the crisis, if left unresolved, may lead to prolonged legal battles and possible fragmentation within the Ogun chapter of the ADC.
As the controversy continues, party members and supporters across the state await further directives from the national leadership of the ADC, which may ultimately determine whose candidacy will be officially recognised for the 2027 governorship election in Ogun State.
