Hon. Leke Abejide Rejects ADC Coalition, Affirms National Leadership.
Hon. Leke Abejide, a prominent figure and National Leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has categorically dismissed any involvement in a coalition with other political parties, asserting his position as the party’s undisputed leader. The statement comes amid reports of a purported coalition and an alleged suspension of Abejide by a faction of the ADC’s Kogi State Working Committee, led by Kingsley Ogga, whose leadership Abejide contests.
Abejide, who represents Yagba Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, described the coalition as “dead on arrival” and challenged the legitimacy of Ogga’s actions, noting that Ogga was expelled from the ADC in 2022. According to Abejide, Ogga lacks the authority to act as chairman or convene meetings on behalf of the party, as his expulsion was ratified at ward, local government, and state executive levels. “There is no coalition because it cannot stand. I have the locus to challenge all of their actions in court because they are interlopers,” Abejide declared, emphasising his intent to pursue legal action to protect the party’s structure.
The ADC’s Kogi State chapter, in a meeting held in Lokoja, reaffirmed Ogga’s expulsion and upheld Abejide as the party’s leader at both state and national levels. The State Working Committee, through its Public Relations Officer, Johnson Tayo, described the alleged suspension of Abejide as “laughable” and without basis, stressing that Ogga’s actions were null and void due to his non-membership. The committee also distanced itself from the national coalition movement, stating that any decision to align with such a movement would require broad consultation with stakeholders.
Abejide further highlighted the ADC’s constitutional requirements, noting that no individual can hold a leadership position without at least two years of party membership unless granted a waiver by the National Executive Committee (NEC), a process he claims has not occurred. He accused certain factions, including those reportedly backed by former Senate President David Mark, of attempting to hijack the ADC’s structure. “They should go and register their new party, ADA,” Abejide remarked, referring to the proposed All Democratic Alliance.
Expressing frustration over what he described as a lack of internal democracy, Abejide revealed that he was neither consulted nor informed of any decisions regarding leadership changes within the party. As the highest-ranking elected official and a statutory NEC member, he insisted that the party’s constitution mandates transparent and lawful leadership transitions. Should the current National Chairman, Chief Ralph Nwosu, choose to resign, Abejide noted that the Deputy National Chairman (South) should assume the role of acting chairman until a proper NEC meeting is convened.
The Kogi ADC also passed a vote of confidence in Abejide’s leadership, praising his contributions to strengthening the party’s grassroots structure and his exemplary legislative service. A communiqué from Ward 04 in Yagba East Local Government lauded Abejide’s unwavering loyalty and commitment, noting his role in fostering unity and championing the interests of his constituents.
Abejide announced plans to hold a press conference to address the public further on the matter, reiterating his commitment to upholding the ADC’s constitution and protecting the party from what he described as “meddlesome interlopers.” He concluded with a resolute message: “The mistake has been made, and it cannot be corrected. We will show them the way out.”
The ongoing crisis within the ADC underscores the challenges of maintaining party unity amid competing factions and external influences. As Abejide prepares to take legal action, the party’s future direction remains a focal point for its members and supporters across Nigeria.