NEC, not Aregbesola, ratified Southwest candidates—ADC zonal body

The officially recognized Southwest leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has dismissed allegations against the party’s National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, describing them as baseless and the work of “disgruntled elements” loyal to Kachikwu Ibe and Hon. Abejide, who recently lost their case at the Court of Appeal.

In a statement signed by the ADC National Vice Chairman, South West, Hon. Akinbowale Omole, the zonal leadership said it was necessary to set the record straight after a petition was sent to the National Chairman, Sen. David Mark, calling for Aregbesola’s removal.

The statement followed a meeting of recognized zonal and national officers from the South West held in Ibadan.
In attendance were Hon. Akinbowale Omole; Capt. Olatunji Shelle, National Director of Communication & Strategy; Mrs. Omolara Oseni, Zonal Organizing Secretary; Dr. Bode Ojerinde; Hon. Oladimeji Fabiyi, Deputy National Financial Secretary; Alh. Kafila Olayiwola, Deputy National Woman Leader; and Chief Mrs. Lydia Olafunmiloye, Zonal Woman Leader.

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Omole said those behind the petition were “parading themselves as leaders of the party in the Southwest, a claim not recognized by the party’s national leadership.”

“First, these are the same individuals who dragged the party to court despite repeated efforts at reconciliation, which they rebuffed,” he said.
“Second, the allegations against the National Secretary are baseless, unsubstantiated, and misleading.”
He explained that under the ADC constitution, the National Executive Committee (NEC), not the National Secretary, ratifies primary election results.
“It defies logic that the national secretary, who serves as the party’s chief accounting officer and saddled…