129
By Tracy Moses
Member representing Yagba East/Yagba West/Mopamuro Federal Constituency of Kogi State in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Leke Abejide, has formally announced his resignation from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing prolonged internal crises, leadership uncertainty, and what he described as deliberate efforts to frustrate his political ambition.
Abejide, a longstanding member of the party, said his decision was difficult but unavoidable, stressing that it became necessary to safeguard his political future.
“It is a painful decision, but one that became necessary to save my political future from those who came to destroy the political party I laboured so hard to build and nurtured with great commitment,” he said while addressing journalists on his political realignment.
He noted that the decision followed months of consultations with political associates, supporters, and stakeholders across his constituency and beyond.
“It is important that the public understands what transpired and why I took this decision a few weeks ago. This was not a hasty move; it came after deep reflection, extensive consultations, and careful consideration of the future,” he stated.
The lawmaker traced the roots of the crisis to legal action he instituted in 2025 against key figures within the party, including former Senate President David Mark, former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, Chief Ralph Nwosu, and the ADC itself.
“Around August 2025, I took the leaders of the ADC coalition, Senator David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola, Chief Ralph Nwosu, and the ADC as a party, to court,” he explained.
According to him, the legal action was aimed at resolving disputes surrounding the party’s leadership and protecting his constitutional rights as a party member.
“The court granted accelerated hearing so that the matter could be resolved within a reasonable time, allowing every party involved to determine whether to remain in ADC or seek another platform ahead of the 2027 electoral process,” he said.
However, Abejide alleged that the defendants employed delay tactics to frustrate the judicial process.
“They kept bringing in different parties to join the suit, clearly as a strategy to delay the case until the Independent National Electoral Commission rolled out the timetable for the 2027 primaries and general elections,” he alleged.
He said the prolonged delays eventually compelled his legal team to advise him to consider an alternative political platform.
“Due to the repeated adjournments and deliberate tactics to frustrate speedy hearing, my counsel advised me to begin exploring another platform to pursue my political ambition,” he said.
Abejide also cited concerns over the party’s leadership structure, arguing that the ADC currently lacks properly constituted leadership capable of fulfilling statutory obligations.
“My counsel further advised that ADC is effectively leaderless, with no validly elected National Chairman or National Secretary to sign nomination forms, which is a mandatory legal requirement for any aspirant seeking elective office,” he said.
He accused elements within the party of attempting to sideline loyal members who had helped build the ADC over the years.
“It became clear to me that the intention of some within the coalition was not to grow the party, but to prevent those of us who had remained faithful to ADC since 2019 from achieving our political ambitions,” he stated.
“I contested and won elections on the platform of ADC when the party was relatively unknown. I stayed committed when many others left. Unfortunately, those who came later sought to destroy what we painstakingly built.”
Abejide further described the current crisis within the ADC as the result of an unlawful takeover by political actors he said had failed elsewhere.
“My former party was unlawfully hijacked by politicians who could not manage the parties they previously belonged to, yet now seek to control a larger political ecosystem like Nigeria,” he said.
He maintained that his legal challenge was in line with his constitutional right to freedom of association.
“The uncertainties in ADC necessitated my decision to seek legal redress in furtherance of my constitutional right to belong to a political party of my choice,” he added.
Reflecting on his contributions to the party, Abejide said he played a central role in building the ADC into a nationally recognised political platform.
“I joined ADC, nurtured it to national recognition, and helped secure representation for the party at both the National and State Assemblies. I funded the party structure as National Leader before willingly relinquishing that role,” he said.
Despite his departure, he expressed goodwill toward the current national leadership.
“I wish the current National Chairman, Hon. Nafiu Bala, the very best as he continues to fight for his rights in court,” he said.
Abejide disclosed that his next political move aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, though he did not immediately announce the political party he intends to join.
“I have consulted widely with my political leaders, supporters, and stakeholders who share my vision, one that aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I am ready to continue my support for this progressive cause,” he said.
He also invoked scripture to explain his transition.
“The bricks are fallen down, but we will build with hewn stones; the sycamores are cut down, but we will change them into cedars,” he quoted from Isaiah 9:10.
“I have decided to replace the fallen bricks of ADC with stronger stones in a better political party, one with a stable structure that will better serve my people.”
Abejide dismissed reports that he had been expelled from the ADC, insisting that his exit was voluntary and constitutionally executed.
“On April 14, 2026, some people purported to expel me from the party. I wish to state clearly that I had already voluntarily exited the ADC in accordance with the provisions of the party’s constitution,” he said.
He assured his supporters that his political structure remains intact and fully prepared for the future.
“My political structure is firmly in place and ready for the actualisation of my political ambition, as well as the continued delivery of democratic dividends to my constituents,” he said.
The lawmaker also addressed a viral video involving the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, clarifying that remarks attributed to him were made in jest and taken out of context.
“Femi Gbajabiamila was simply joking in the way we often do among colleagues. He was, in fact, encouraging me to stay in ADC, contest, and fight for my rights. His comments were never intended to undermine any political party,” he explained.
“For anyone to interpret that as judicial interference or an attempt to destabilise democracy is completely absurd. Rt. Hon. Gbajabiamila remains one of the strongest democrats this country has produced.”
He concluded by thanking his supporters for their steadfast loyalty throughout his political journey.
“I sincerely appreciate everyone who stood by me during the challenging years of building a virile political party. I am officially informing you that I have moved on from ADC to pursue my future political ambitions on a more secure and promising platform,” he said.