Abejide Quits ADC Ahead of 2027 Elections

A member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Leke Abejide, has announced his resignation from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing internal disputes and legal uncertainties within the party.

Mr Abejide, who represents Yagba Federal Constituency, made the announcement in Abuja, describing his decision as “painful but necessary” ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He accused unnamed political actors of destabilising the party and alleged that its structure had been “unlawfully hijacked”, undermining its leadership and direction.

The lawmaker said he had filed a case at the Federal High Court in August 2025 against key figures in the ADC, including former Senate President David Mark, former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, and former party chairman Ralph Nwosu, over what he described as leadership irregularities.

According to him, delays in the court proceedings — which he attributed to legal tactics by the defendants — coincided with the release of the electoral timetable by Nigeria’s electoral body, raising concerns about his political future within the party.

Mr Abejide said uncertainty over the party’s leadership, particularly the absence of recognised national officers authorised to endorse nomination forms, forced him to seek an alternative political platform.

“My counsel advised me that since ADC is leaderless and without a validly elected National Chairman and National Secretary to sign my nomination form as required by law, I should seek an alternative platform,” he said.

He rejected claims that he had been expelled from the party, insisting that he voluntarily withdrew his membership in line with constitutional provisions.

Mr Abejide, who has contested elections under the ADC since 2019, said he had contributed significantly to the party’s development, including funding its structures and expanding its reach.

He also indicated a possible alignment with the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, suggesting a shift towards the ruling political bloc.

The lawmaker further addressed a viral video involving the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, saying remarks attributed to him were made jokingly and had been taken out of context.

The development adds to growing internal tensions within the ADC, as political realignments gather pace ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 elections.

Source: Vanguard Newspapers