•Suit Alleges Forgery and Perjury Over 2027 Governorship Candidacy
•INEC Maintains Neutrality, Vows to Obey Federal High Court Judgment
The contest for the Action Democratic Party (ADP) governorship ticket in Ogun State has shifted decisively to the courtroom, with Hon. Kazeem Olanrewaju Sokunbi insisting that only a judicial pronouncement can settle the dispute ahead of the 2027 general election.
Sokunbi, the plaintiff in Suit No. FHC/AB/CS/134/2026 before the Federal High Court, has maintained that he remains the party’s legitimate candidate. He argued that the primary election which produced him was conducted in the presence of police, INEC officials and the media, and that any contrary claim must await the court’s determination.
At the heart of the case are allegations of forgery and perjury surrounding the circumstances of the candidacy. Sokunbi has rejected the emergence of Dr Johncrownfit Kayode Anifowose as the recognised ADP flag bearer, stressing that the legal process is still ongoing and cannot be treated as concluded.
The suit lists the ADP National Chairman, Engr. Yabaji Yusuf Sani, and the Independent National Electoral Commission as defendants. Sokunbi contends that the controversy over the ticket will only be resolved once the Federal High Court delivers its judgment.
INEC has acknowledged awareness of Sokunbi’s allegation that the party intended to substitute his name but stated that it was not in a position to confirm or deny the claim. The commission emphasised that it would comply strictly with the Constitution, the Electoral Act and other applicable laws regarding any nomination or substitution submitted by the ADP.
INEC further clarified that it has no interest in the internal dispute between Sokunbi and the party. Describing itself as a nominal party in the proceedings, the electoral body affirmed that it would abide by whatever decision the court reaches.
As the legal battle unfolds, Sokunbi has cautioned against treating Anifowose’s claim as final, insisting that the forthcoming judgment will provide the necessary judicial clarification on the contested ADP governorship ticket in Ogun State.
