In a dramatic twist in the internal crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Hon. Leke Abejide, the party’s national leader and chieftain, has vehemently rejected any attempt to drag the party into an unauthorized coalition, describing the move as “dead on arrival.”
Abejide, who currently represents the Yagba Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, also dismissed reports of his suspension by a faction of the ADC in Kogi State as null, void, and legally baseless. He insisted that the announcement by the so-called State Working Committee led by Kingsley Ogga holds no water, noting that Ogga was expelled from the party in 2022 and lacks the authority to convene meetings or issue directives on behalf of the party.
The two-term lawmaker accused Ogga and his loyalists of staging a “kangaroo meeting” at the residence of Senator Tunde Ogbeha, who Abejide claims is illegally parading himself as the new state leader of the party. He further noted that the ADC’s constitution mandates a minimum of two years’ membership before anyone can assume a leadership position, unless a waiver is granted by the National Executive Committee, a condition he says has not been fulfilled.
Taking a swipe at the alleged internal coup, Abejide expressed disappointment over the attempted hijack of the ADC structure, warning that those behind the move are political interlopers bent on causing confusion. He reaffirmed his support for the party’s National Chairman, Chief Ralph Nwosu, and declared that the ADC remains firmly out of any coalition talk not approved by the national leadership. “Let them go and register their own party-ADA,” he said.
Read also:
- ADC on rescue mission to avert collapse of democracy in Nigeria – Ex-Gov. Osunbor
- ADC suspends Hon. Leke Abejide, 4 others over anti-party activities in Kogi
- 2027: Atiku-Obi alliance under ADC will collapse demographically – Festus Keyamo
Abejide also disclosed that legal proceedings have been initiated to challenge the legitimacy of the self-imposed new leadership. He clarified that if Chief Nwosu ever decides to resign, the party’s constitution clearly states that the Deputy National Chairman (South) would serve in an acting capacity until a proper NEC meeting is held.
As the highest-ranking elected official within the ADC, Abejide said he was neither informed nor consulted before the controversial coalition and leadership changes were announced. He hinted at a press conference in the coming days where he plans to publicly address the crisis, set the record straight, and reinforce the party’s commitment to due process and constitutional order.
“The mistake has been made and it cannot be corrected. We will show them the way out,” Abejide concluded, signaling an all-out battle to reclaim control of the ADC and crush what he described as an illegal power grab.
