Ogun ADC Defends Chair, Rejects Fund Diversion Allegations

The Ogun State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly dismissed allegations of financial misconduct against its chairman, Olufemi Soluade. Party officials described the claims as baseless and politically motivated, insisting that all financial transactions related to nomination forms were handled transparently through the party’s national structures.

A petition submitted to the ADC national leadership accused Soluade of diverting funds paid by aspirants for nomination forms ahead of the 2027 elections. The allegations quickly gained attention, raising questions about internal accountability within the party. However, the state chapter moved swiftly to counter the claims, presenting records and receipts to show that payments were made directly into accounts designated by the national secretariat.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abeokuta, the party’s Director-General of Media, Communications and Publicity, Adesina Olanrewaju, said the accusations lacked merit. He explained that the funds in question were strictly for nomination forms and were never under the personal control of the state chairman.

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“The claim that funds sent by aspirants were diverted or personally received by the State Chairman is false and misleading,” Olanrewaju stated. He added that major party leaders were aware of the arrangement and that verifiable payment records exist to prove the funds were deposited into the official ADC national account.

The party also pointed out contradictions in the petitioners’ position. While they acknowledged Soluade as the duly recognised chairman, they simultaneously attempted to undermine his leadership by promoting a parallel structure. Olanrewaju described this as inconsistent and damaging to party unity.

Beyond the financial allegations, the ADC highlighted issues surrounding the distribution of nomination forms. According to Olanrewaju, a self-acclaimed Deputy National Financial Secretary, Oladimeji Fabiyi, obtained about 50 forms from the national secretariat but released only 10 to the state leadership. This created tension among aspirants as deadlines approached.

To resolve the matter, some aspirants suggested routing payments through Soluade, who was physically present at the national secretariat in Abuja at the time, facilitating the release of additional forms. Olanrewaju stressed that this arrangement was purely logistical and not evidence of financial control by the chairman.

The ADC further accused a parallel group within the party of disrupting preparations for the presidential primary in Ogun State. Olanrewaju alleged that the group misled aspirants and even defrauded some presidential hopefuls. He said this contributed to the failure of the state to hold a presidential primary.

The party maintained that it has documentary evidence, including receipts, payment records, and aspirants’ names, to disprove the allegations. Internal verification also revealed that some individuals listed as petitioners were not recognised members of the ADC in Ogun State, raising doubts about the authenticity of the petition.

Reaffirming support for Soluade, the party leadership emphasised its commitment to transparency and accountability. Olanrewaju urged members and the public to disregard misleading information capable of causing division. He assured that the state executive remains focused on fairness, justice, and progress within the ADC.

The party disclosed that an official report on the matter has been forwarded to the national chairman and the national organising secretary for further action. It also called on journalists to verify information through its accredited communications directorate before publication.

The dismissal of the allegations against Soluade underscores the ADC’s determination to protect its leadership and maintain internal cohesion ahead of the 2027 elections. While the controversy highlights challenges of party organisation and trust, the Ogun chapter insists that its processes remain transparent and accountable. The episode also reflects broader tensions within Nigerian political parties, where internal disputes often escalate into public accusations.