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The JAL Student Vanguard has congratulated Otunba Jimi Adebisi Lawal (JAL) following the Court of Appeal’s reported affirmation of his candidacy as the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ogun State for the 2027 general election.
The student support group described the development as significant for the party, saying the court decision brings further clarity to the dispute that had surrounded the party’s governorship ticket.
The group, in a statement issued on Friday, said the judgment represents an affirmation of the importance of due process, internal party procedures and respect for judicial decisions in the political process.
The development follows a prolonged dispute over the ADC governorship ticket in Ogun State, with rival camps previously laying claim to the party’s nomination.
Background to the dispute
The dispute dates back to the party’s governorship primary process, with competing claims emerging over which candidate was validly nominated to represent the ADC in the 2027 election.
In July 2026, a Federal High Court sitting in Abeokuta, in a case identified as Suit No. FHC/AB/CS/97/2026, reportedly ruled in favour of Jimi Lawal.
According to the account provided by the parties, the court, presided over by Justice Abiodun Jordan Adeyemi, held that the primary election that produced Lawal was validly conducted and complied with the relevant provisions of the Electoral Act and the ADC constitution.
The judgment also reportedly directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognise Lawal as the party’s governorship candidate.
The ruling, however, did not immediately end the dispute, as Dr. Biodun Collins Ogundipe (BCO) challenged the decision at the Court of Appeal.
Court of Appeal decision
The latest development came with the reported decision of the Court of Appeal, following Ogundipe’s challenge to the Federal High Court judgment.
In a statement attributed to the Ogun State ADC Publicity Secretary, Adesina Olanrewaju, the appellate court dismissed Ogundipe’s appeal and affirmed the earlier judgment recognising Lawal as the party’s validly elected governorship candidate.
The statement also said the court awarded ₦500,000 in costs against Ogundipe.
The reported appellate decision has subsequently generated reactions among members, supporters and stakeholders associated with the ADC in Ogun State.
JAL Student Vanguard reacts
Reacting to the development, the JAL Student Vanguard described the court’s decision as a major moment for its principal and supporters.
The group said, “We celebrate this landmark affirmation. It shows that due process and party discipline must prevail. Otunba Jimi Lawal is a proven manager, technocrat and youth-friendly leader whose candidacy rekindles hope for students and young people in Ogun State.”
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The student group further said that the judgment provides an opportunity for members and stakeholders of the ADC to concentrate on their political activities and engagement with the electorate ahead of the 2027 election.
The Vanguard also commended the Ogun State ADC leadership under Chairman Otunba Oluwafemi Soluade, particularly its stated position in favour of resolving internal disagreements through established processes.
It subsequently called on members and stakeholders within the party to respect the judicial outcome and work toward greater unity.
Appeal for unity
The latest development has also renewed calls within the party for reconciliation among the different interests that emerged during the dispute.
The ADC, through its Ogun State Publicity Secretary, reportedly acknowledged the appellate court’s decision and reaffirmed the party’s commitment to the rule of law.
The party also urged its members to remain calm, united and focused on strengthening its structures across the state.
The call for unity comes as political parties and their candidates prepare for the broader activities associated with the 2027 general elections.
For the JAL Student Vanguard, the development is also an opportunity to deepen engagement with students and young people across Ogun State.
The group said students constitute an important constituency whose concerns include education, employment opportunities, skills development, entrepreneurship, youth participation, leadership development and access to opportunities.
It said the student community should have a meaningful role in conversations surrounding the future of Ogun State and encouraged young people to remain engaged with political and civic processes.
Focus shifts to 2027
With the court dispute reportedly settled in Lawal’s favour at both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal, attention is expected to shift toward the next phase of political activities ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The JAL Student Vanguard said it would continue to engage students across tertiary institutions and create platforms for young people to participate in discussions concerning governance and the future of the state.
The group maintained that its activities are centred on student engagement and youth participation, while expressing its intention to mobilise students around issues affecting their education, welfare and future.
The latest court decision is therefore being presented by the group as a new phase in the ADC’s preparations for the 2027 election, while the party’s call for members to remain united places emphasis on moving beyond the internal dispute and focusing on its political organisation across Ogun State.
As preparations for the 2027 election continue, the ADC’s ability to maintain internal cohesion and translate its structures into broader public engagement will remain an important part of the political process in Ogun State.
The JAL Student Vanguard concluded by congratulating Otunba Jimi Adebisi Lawal on the reported appellate court affirmation and called on supporters to remain peaceful, law-abiding and focused on constructive engagement as the political process progresses.
