The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is facing an internal storm as its most senior elected official, Hon. Leke Abejide, has accused new entrants of attempting to hijack the party’s structure for selfish interests.
Abejide, who represents Yagba East/Yagba West/Mopa-Muro Federal Constituency of Kogi State, said during a televised interview in Abuja that the party has been infiltrated by individuals with no loyalty to its founding values.
“Many of them are not here to build. Their actions show they’re in for personal gain nothing more,” Abejide declared.
The lawmaker raised concerns about alleged attempts by political heavyweights including former Senate President David Mark and ex-Osun governor Rauf Aregbesola — to assume leadership roles in the party without following due process.
He insisted that under ADC’s constitution, no newcomer can assume a party position without a waiver from the National Executive Committee (NEC), which, according to him, has not met to approve such.
“You can’t just walk in and take over a structure others have built. That’s not democracy,” he said.
Citing the party’s turbulent presidential primary in 2022, Abejide pointed to unresolved allegations of bribery and backdoor deals that, in his view, derailed the ADC’s internal peace. He accused some leaders of compromising the process, ultimately leading to the crisis the party now faces.
“Before 2022, the ADC was peaceful and steady. But when money changed hands during the primaries, trust broke down,” he said.
He expressed firm support for Chief Ralph Nwosu, the party’s founding National Chairman, whom he credited for building the ADC from scratch.
“Ralph Nwosu gave me the platform. He remains the legitimate chairman. INEC still recognises his leadership,” Abejide insisted.
The Kogi lawmaker warned that the power tussle, if unresolved, could cost the party dearly ahead of future elections.
“If we continue like this, handing tickets to illegitimate candidates, we’re only helping our opponents win.”
Abejide said he has chosen to stay away from factional meetings, warning that any political structure built on illegality “will collapse in due time.”
He also alleged that some of the defectors intend to use the ADC as a launchpad for their personal political agenda, not to strengthen the party.
“Their body language is clear they’re not here to stay. They want to use the ADC, dump it, and move on,” he said.
Despite the unfolding legal disputes and internal wrangling, Abejide says he remains committed to genuine party reform if done transparently.
“We need an NEC meeting, plain and simple. If they want a new structure, let’s follow the rules. Not this fire-brigade takeover,” he concluded.
