The Centre for the Advocacy for Human Rights and Social Justice has thrown its weight behind the decision of the Ogun East Senatorial District caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to restrict attendance at its recent meeting to duly accredited members, describing the move as a necessary step to preserve order, discipline and institutional integrity.

In a press release made available to journalists and signed by its Leader, Olufemi Akindele, the group said the controversy surrounding the alleged exclusion of Senator Gbenga Daniel was being unnecessarily amplified, stressing that party structures must be respected by all members, regardless of status.

The organisation maintained that caucus meetings are governed by clear guidelines and are not open gatherings, noting that attendance is typically based on prior invitation and recognition within the party hierarchy. It argued that the decision to limit participation was neither arbitrary nor targeted, but consistent with established norms aimed at ensuring productive deliberations.

According to the statement, attempts to portray the development as an affront to Senator Daniel were misplaced, adding that internal party mechanisms should not be misrepresented in a way that could mislead the public or create avoidable tension.

“The decision of the caucus to admit only invited stakeholders is in line with democratic best practices within political parties. Discipline, order and respect for procedure are the pillars upon which any credible political institution must stand,” the group stated.

The Centre further called on Daniel to demonstrate statesmanship by respecting party decisions and utilising internal channels to address any grievances, rather than resorting to public criticism. It noted that as a ranking member of the party, the former governor is expected to model democratic conduct and contribute to strengthening, rather than undermining, party cohesion.

While urging restraint among supporters, the group cautioned against dragging the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, into what it described as a purely party-driven matter. It reiterated that the meeting in question was not convened by the state government, but by party stakeholders acting within their constitutional framework.

“It is important, that political leaders separate governance from party administration. Bringing the person of the governor into this issue only serves to politicise a straightforward organisational procedure,” the statement added.

The group emphasized that healthy democracies thrive on respect for rules and collective decisions, not on personal interpretations of entitlement. It warned that persistent public attacks on party processes could weaken internal democracy and set a poor example for younger members.

Concluding, the Centre urged all stakeholders within the APC to remain committed to unity and due process, while encouraging Senator Daniel to align with the principles of party discipline and democratic engagement in resolving disputes.

With the collapse of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), positioned itself as the “Second Force” and strategic alternative for high-profile politicians.

Opposition politicians have since flooded the party as the most viable alternative outside the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

However, as the 2027 general elections draw closer, the party is no longer just fighting for the ballot, it is fighting itself.

What was intended to be a “mega-coalition” to challenge the Bola Tinubu-led administration has instead become a battleground of tenure disputes and “hijacked” structures.

DAILY POST reports that this crisis has spread its wings down to Ogun, the Gateway state, and many other states of the Federation, thus dividing the party into two factions, with each claiming constitutional legitimacy.

Both factions, which are said to be aligned with the same leadership of David Mark, conducted their congress at the same time, same day, but at different locations in the state.

Two factional chairmen, one publicity secretary emerges

On Saturday, April 11, the party at its secretariat in Abeokuta, held its state executive congress, which returned Femi Soluade as chairman, flanked by Babatunde Adedeji as deputy, Agbebiyi Olusoji as secretary, Yinka Ogunlade as treasurer, Abideen Obanla as PWD leader with Olumide Onabajo as the publicity secretary alongside 18 others.

The congress was conducted and chaired by Moshood Salvador and the swearing-in ceremony was administered by the state legal adviser, Barrister Femi Aina.

However, our correspondent observed that while the congress was ongoing, a parallel congress was also held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta and supervised by national officials led by Chairman of the Congress Committee, Hon. Olatunji Soyinka, the Deputy National Financial Secretary, Hon. Oladimeji Fabiyi, a National Ex Officio, Motunrayo Odumosu, alongside other members of the congresses committee; Bashir Lawal, the secretary and Musa Odujobi, Yemisi Adegoke and Kunle Ashiru.

The congress produced 56 state officers with Emmanuel Famojuro as the state’s party chairman, Adebanjo Olalekan as deputy chairman, Soaga Akintoye as secretary, Sanni Gbenga as treasurer, Olufade Iyanu as the state PWD leader, Bernard Kuyoro as financial secretary and again Onabajo Olumide as the publicity secretary among others.

The congress chairman, Soyinka, who is a former House of Representatives member presented a harmonised list of the new executives, which according to him, reflected the agreement and decisions of all party leaders and sections of the ADC.

“By the power conferred on me, I have accepted, based on the list submitted to our committee, that the new state chairman will be Mr. Emmanuel Famojuro,” Soyinka said, declaring that the congress was conducted “in accordance with the party’s guidelines and constitution.”

“When we came into the state, we gave notice of the congress to all. Anybody that’s not here is on his own, and our decision here is final,” he asserted.

Famojuro-led faction accuses Soluade of backstabbing party

However, the Famojuro-led faction of the party accused Soluade of backstabbing and preventing potential aspirants from joining the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Recall that on the 14th of February, Soluade announced the suspension of Jimi Lawal over alleged anti-party activities and unveiled a caretaker committee to temporarily fill vacant state executive and local government chairmanship positions across the state.

The next day, the party in a rejoinder signed by its publicity secretary, Olumide Onabajo, nullified the purported suspension of Jimi Lawal and passed a vote of no confidence in its chairman, Soluade, suspending him from office for alleged leading armed thugs to disrupt an event organized by Lawal in Abeokuta.

“The Constitution of our great party does not empower the State Chairman, acting unilaterally, to suspend any member of the party— let alone a leader of the stature of H.E. Jimi Lawal.

“Suspension of any member must follow laid-down constitutional procedures, including due process, fair hearing, and ratification by the appropriate organs of the party.

“Furthermore, the State Chairman does not possess unilateral powers to dissolve duly elected executives, appoint caretaker committees, or fill executive positions at the State or Local Government levels without the approval of the constitutionally recognized organs of the party.

“Any such appointments, announcements, suspensions, or restructuring purportedly made are therefore unconstitutional, illegal, and cannot stand.

“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,” the statement added.

However, the party in another statement on Monday, 16th February, resolved to reinstate Femi Soluade, urging stakeholders and supporters to put past misunderstandings behind them and work collectively towards building a formidable stronger party.

Speaking at the Saturday’s congress, the deputy national financial secretary, Oladimeji Fabiyi, argued that the state leadership under Femi Soluade dragged the party backwards, alleging that he turned the ADC into a marketplace for negotiations rather than a vehicle for governance.

“The outgoing leadership has not done so well for ADC in the state. They have turned the party into a transactional party, where they go about negotiating. In fact, their leadership has sent so many quality aspirants away from running because they didn’t see any hope; they are not inspired.

“The people of Ogun State have been calling on us, saying this situation cannot continue,” he stated.

He added that the party has now set a new direction, expressing optimism that the ADC is ready for renewed growth and success under the new leadership.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the congress committee, insisted that the party would only recognise authentic members and the newly elected executives.

Soyinka described the transition as a step towards victory for the party and expressed confidence in Famojuro’s leadership, arguing that no individual is bigger than the party, predicting a brighter future for the ADC.

“He is someone who will lead Ogun State to where we want it to be. It is green all over the world that ADC is the next government in Ogun State and Nigeria as a whole,” he added.

‘Kangaroo election, I remain authentic recognized leader’ – Soluade hits back

Soluade declared himself to be the state’s only legitimate and acknowledged party leader. He referred to the congress that elected Famojuro as a “kangaroo election.”

He emphasized that there is no division within the Ogun ADC and any insinuation of a faction is false and aimed at destabilising the party ahead of the next elections.

According to him, the party in Ogun State is still cohesive under his leadership, with a distinct line of command and compliance with the national body’s directions.

Soluade also announced the suspension of a planned mock or shadow inauguration earlier scheduled to hold at the party secretariat, describing the move as a strategic decision.

He clarified that the decision to put the event on hold should not be mistaken for weakness or retreat, but rather a demonstration of discipline and respect for institutional processes.

“It was a kangaroo election. I emerged as the Bonafide State Chairman of ADC. We were duly screened on the 9th of April but jesters were never screened on the 9th April by the national body. All Executives of my cabinet were duly affirmed by consensus and duly sworn in,” he insisted.

He insisted that the party is unwavering and will not allow outside pressure or legal challenges stop it from achieving its goals, cautioning those purportedly attempting to sow conflict inside the party to stop, stressing that such attempts would eventually fail.

Publicity Secretary makes U-turn, aligns with Famojuro

In a twist, Olumide Onabajo, who was initially named in the executive lists of both factions, has formally pledged his loyalty to the Famojuro-led executive.

The move came barely 24 hours after Onabajo issued a statement to our correspondent, validating the congress that returned Soluade as Chairman.

In what observers are calling a significant blow to the Soluade camp, Onabajo described his decision as a product of “careful reflection, consultations, and consideration of prevailing circumstances.”

While expressing gratitude to both sides for recognizing his contributions, he lamented that despite being a long-term loyalist and a key figure in projecting the party’s image since 2020, the Soluade-led team failed to offer him the necessary support, citing a desire for stability and a leadership structure that aligns with his vision for the party’s growth.

His words, “It is no longer news that two parallel congresses were held in Ogun State on Saturday, 11th April, 2026, each producing different outcomes and leadership structures within our great party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

“It is also a known fact that both congresses, one chaired by Otunba Dr. Femi Soluade and the other by Mr. Emmanuel Famojuro produced my name as the elected State Publicity Secretary. I sincerely appreciate both sides for recognizing my efforts and the value of my contributions to the party over the years.

“However, at this critical juncture, it has become necessary for me to clearly state my position.

“I have worked tirelessly for the party, particularly during my time in Ajuwon/Akute, Ifo Local Government. Despite my sacrifices, it is evident that key stakeholders, including Hon. Ojerinde Olusola and Comrade Salau, have not demonstrated support or consideration for my efforts.

“This observation also extends to the Otunba Femi Soluade led team. While I will refrain from going into extensive details, I remain confident that my commitment, sacrifices, and personal investments in the party are known to God and to those who have followed my journey.

“After careful reflection, consultations, and consideration of prevailing circumstances, I have made the decision to align with the team led by Mr. Emmanuel Famojuro,” Onabajo stated.

The Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, has reaffirmed the command’s commitment to providing adequate security and fostering a safe, peaceful environment conducive for academic excellence across the state.

Ojajuni gave the reassurance on Wednesday when he received the Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Abeokuta, Prof. Fatiu Arogundade, and his management team at the Command Headquarters, Eleweran, Abeokuta.

He appreciated the Vice Chancellor and his team for the visit, harping on the importance of strengthening collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and academic institutions.

According to him, the visit was necessary to ensure the safety and security of students, staff, and critical infrastructure within the university community.

Meanwhile, the commissioner outlined proactive measures to address security concerns and enhance intelligence sharing between the institution and the Police.

DAILY POST reports that the move comes amid recurring cult clashes in higher institutions across the state.

A defence witness in the ongoing trial of former Accountant-General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris, has admitted before the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama, Abuja, that he signed the defendant’s statement dated May 17, 2022.

The witness, Haruna Alabi, made the admission on Tuesday during cross-examination by prosecution counsel, Oluwaleke Atolagbe, in a trial-within-trial initiated at the instance of the first defendant.

Idris is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alongside Geoffrey Olusegun Akindele, Mohammed Kudu Usman and Gezawa Commodity Market and Exchange Limited on a 14-count charge bordering on alleged stealing and fraudulent diversion of public funds amounting to N109.5 billion.

The court had ordered the trial-within-trial on November 22, 2022, following an application by defence counsel, Chris Uche (SAN), who alleged that his client’s statements were obtained through deception and inducement.

While testifying, Alabi told the court that he visited the EFCC office on May 17, 2022, alongside other directors from the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation to see Idris, who was in the Commission’s custody at the time.
Myself and other directors visited him at the EFCC,” he said.

Alabi further disclosed that he was the only lawyer among the visitors and that he signed at the back of the statement made by Idris on the said date.

However, he admitted that he was neither invited by the EFCC nor had any prior interaction with investigators before the visit.

Under further cross-examination, the witness stated that apart from appending his signature, he neither wrote nor signed any other part of the statement.

He also said he could not confirm whether Idris personally made the statement he endorsed.

When confronted with a portion of the statement which read, “The statement was taken freely and I signed,” Alabi insisted he did not lie, maintaining that he was not present when the statement was made.

Earlier, during his evidence-in-chief led by defence counsel, Kanayo Okafor, the witness identified his name and signature on Exhibit B3, the statement dated May 17, 2022.

Justice Yusuf Halilu subsequently adjourned the matter to June 24, 2026, for continuation of the trial-within-trial and directed the first defendant to ensure the presence of all remaining defence witnesses on the next adjourned date.