ABEOKUTA, OGUN STATE — The Court of Appeal has dismissed the appeal filed by Dr. Biodun Collins Ogundipe, popularly known as BCO, over the governorship candidacy of Otunba Jimi Adebisi Lawal (JAL) under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ogun State.
The development was announced by the Ogun State Chapter of the ADC in a statement issued on Friday, September 18, 2026, following the judgment delivered by the appellate court.
According to the party, the dismissal of the appeal leaves undisturbed the status of JAL as the ADC’s validly elected governorship candidate for the 2027 Ogun State governorship election.
The party also disclosed that the Court of Appeal awarded ₦500,000 in costs against Dr. Ogundipe in the case.
The legal dispute had centred on the governorship ticket of the ADC in Ogun State, with Dr. Ogundipe challenging issues surrounding the emergence of JAL as the party’s candidate.
Reacting to the judgment, the Ogun ADC said the court’s decision had provided judicial determination on the matter and reaffirmed the party’s commitment to resolving disputes through constitutionally recognised institutions.
The party stated that it would continue to uphold the rule of law and its internal democratic processes while working towards strengthening its structures across the state.
The statement urged members, supporters and other stakeholders of the party to remain calm and united following the judgment.
It further appealed to party members to respect the outcome of the court proceedings and redirect their attention towards building the party ahead of the forthcoming electoral activities.
The Ogun ADC said the development should mark an opportunity for members to put internal disagreements behind them and concentrate on the continued development of the party across the state's local government areas.
The party's position was contained in a statement signed by Adesina Olanrewaju, State Publicity Secretary, on behalf of Otunba Oluwafemi Soluade, State Chairman, African Democratic Congress, Ogun State Chapter, and the State Executive Committee.
The party leadership maintained that adherence to judicial decisions and established party procedures remained essential to maintaining unity and stability within the organisation.
With the Court of Appeal's decision, the ADC leadership in Ogun is now calling on its members and supporters to close ranks and focus on the party's political activities and preparations ahead of the 2027 governorship contest.
KEY POINTS
- Court of Appeal dismisses BCO’s appeal concerning ADC governorship candidacy.
- ADC says Jimi Adebisi Lawal remains its validly elected Ogun governorship candidate.
- Court awards ₦500,000 costs against Dr. Biodun Collins Ogundipe.
- Ogun ADC urges members and supporters to remain calm and united.
- Party leadership calls for respect for the judicial outcome and renewed focus on strengthening party structures.
