ABUJA — The leadership crisis rocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has taken a new turn as the faction led by Hon. Leke Joseph Abejide declared support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027 and inaugurated new state and ward executives in Kogi State.
In a statement by Bashiru Abdul Mohammed, Special Adviser on Public Communications to Abejide, the group announced Hon. Sunday Maiyaki as the new Kogi State Chairman and Mamman Akpena as State Secretary, emphasizing that the appointments were made in line with the ADC constitution.
Speaking at the ADC Stakeholders’ Forum in Lokoja, Abejide said the party must adopt a pragmatic and strategic alliance to maintain its political relevance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He recalled holding similar consultations before the 2023 elections, when he backed Tinubu’s presidential campaign while pursuing his own governorship ambition in Kogi State.
“This marks a new chapter in our political journey,” Abejide stated, commending loyal members who stood by the faction through what he described as challenging times.
He attributed the ongoing leadership dispute to the resignation of former National Chairman, Chief Ralph Nwosu, accusing him of surrendering the party’s authority to individuals serving external political interests.
Quoting Article 9(4) of the ADC constitution, Abejide maintained that any decision taken outside the constitutional framework of the party is null and void.
Meanwhile, Bashiru dismissed reports of Abejide’s expulsion as baseless and politically motivated.
“My principal has remained a steadfast member of the ADC since 2017 and continues to enjoy the overwhelming support of party members,” he asserted.
He further revealed that the faction plans to convene a national convention to elect new national executives once the pending court cases over the ADC coalition’s leadership are resolved.
Abejide urged party members to shun “unrealistic political ambitions” and align with a stronger national platform as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.
