Susan Abayomi
The JAL Student Vanguard has congratulated Otunba Jimi Adebisi Lawal following the reported affirmation of his candidacy as the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ogun State for the 2027 election.
In a statement issued on Friday, the student support group described the development as significant, saying the appellate court decision had provided further clarity on the prolonged dispute over the party’s governorship ticket.
The development followed a legal dispute that arose from competing claims over the ADC’s governorship primary in Ogun State.
In July, a Federal High Court sitting in Abeokuta ruled in favour of Lawal in Suit No. FHC/AB/CS/97/2026, holding that the primary election that produced him was validly conducted and complied with relevant provisions of the Electoral Act and the ADC constitution. The court also directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise Lawal as the party’s governorship candidate.
The judgment was subsequently challenged by Dr. Biodun Collins Ogundipe at the Court of Appeal.
According to the statement attributed to the Ogun State ADC Publicity Secretary, Adesina Olanrewaju, the Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal and affirmed the earlier judgment recognising Lawal as the party’s candidate. The statement also said the court awarded ₦500,000 in costs against Ogundipe.
Reacting to the development, the JAL Student Vanguard said the court decision underscored the importance of due process, internal party procedures and respect for judicial decisions in political activities.
The group congratulated Lawal and described him as a figure whose candidacy, in its view, could encourage greater engagement among students and young people in Ogun State.
It also called on members and stakeholders of the ADC to remain peaceful and work towards unity as preparations for the 2027 governorship election continue.
The group said students and young people should have a meaningful role in discussions on issues affecting education, employment, skills development, entrepreneurship and leadership.
It further stated that it would continue engaging students across tertiary institutions in Ogun State and creating platforms for young people to participate in civic and political discussions.
The latest development marks another stage in the ADC’s efforts to move beyond the internal dispute surrounding its governorship ticket and focus on preparations for the 2027 election.
