ADC chieftain accuses David Mark, Aregbesola of hijacking party

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Leke Abejide

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A member of the House of Representatives representing Yagba Federal Constituency in Kogi State, Leke Abejide, has alleged that key political figures have taken control of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) without following due process, deepening the party’s internal crisis.

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Abejide made the claim on Thursday during an appearance on Politics Today, where he criticised the leadership bloc associated with former Senate President, David Mark.

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Asked to name those he accused of “hijacking” the party, the lawmaker replied, “Former Senate President David Mark, former Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, and the rest.”

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He argued that the emergence of the faction did not follow established procedures within the party, stressing that existing members were neither carried along nor consulted.

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“If you want to come to a party, and it is not a fresh one, you should know that some people are there. Why don’t you meet with them first and discuss?” he said.

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Abejide further revealed that he had no prior contact with other prominent figures linked to the coalition, including Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, and Peter Obi.

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“No, I have never met with them. None of them has ever met me,” he stated.

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Responding to claims that he may have been excluded for political reasons, the lawmaker dismissed the suggestion and insisted on strict adherence to party rules.

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“I am not a sellout. It is not because they didn’t consult me; let us do things according to the law. This party cannot be destroyed,” he said.

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Referencing the ADC constitution, Abejide maintained that those currently laying claim to leadership positions were not valid members at the time they assumed office.

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“As at the time they sat on their seats, they had not registered in their wards. They were not members of the ADC as at the time they took over,” he said.

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He also outlined what he believes should have been done, noting, “What they ought to have done is to allow them to come in, then write to INEC, give 21 days’ notice for a national convention, and amend the constitution properly… By then, nobody can go to court. But that was not the case; they immediately took over that day as if the election were tomorrow.”

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The ADC has recently faced escalating internal disputes, with multiple factions asserting control and legal challenges complicating efforts to resolve the leadership question.

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