The National Secretariat of the African Democratic Congress has been petitioned by concerned members of the Ogun East Senatorial District to disqualify a governorship aspirant, Otunba Jimi Lawal, on account of corruption allegations.
On Sunday, the petitioners addressed the Chairman of the Governorship Screening Committee, ADC, National Secretariat, Abuja, and implored the party leadership to refrain from clearing Lawal for the upcoming governorship primaries.
The petitioners, Olabisi Omolaso, Haruna Owolabi, Keshiro Daniel, Ezekiel Abidemi, Onamuyiwa Olumuyiwa, and Ibrahim Aliyat, contended that the party’s electoral prospects in Ogun would be significantly adversely affected by the presentation of an aspirant who is heavily encumbered with legal battles and integrity issues.
The petition, which was received at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja on May 18 and was dated May 17, 2026, was The petition, among other things, emphasised an ongoing criminal prosecution against Lawal by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
A portion of the petition states, “ADC is unable to maintain its credibility as a credible alternative political platform in the eyes of Nigerians while simultaneously granting its governorship ticket to an aspirant who is currently under criminal prosecution and is facing unresolved allegations of corruption, money laundering, abuse of office, fraud, and financial misconduct.”
“In Charge No. FHC/KD/16C/2025, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has initiated criminal proceedings against Otunba Jimi Lawal before the Federal High Court in Kaduna.”
“Otunba Jimi Lawal, Umar Waziri, Yusuf Inuwa, and Solar Life Nigeria Limited were all charged with money laundering and the unlawful movement of public funds.”
“Otunba Jimi Lawal has also been reportedly associated with investigations concerning the controversial N10.8 billion Kaduna State CCTV Security Project. The ICP has reportedly filed new criminal charges against former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and others.”
“This allegation is especially concerning due to the fact that the CCTV project involved public security infrastructure that was designed to safeguard property and lives.” Diversion, embezzlement, or fraudulent management of public security funds are all allegations that raise significant moral and ethical concerns regarding one’s eligibility for public office.
“Distinguished members, the consequences of clearing Otunba Jimi Lawal despite these overpowering controversies are immense: