A member of the House of Representatives for Yagba Federal Constituency in Kogi State, Leke Abejide, has accused top political figures of taking control of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) without following due process, deepening internal tensions in the party.
Speaking on Politics Today, Abejide specifically named former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as part of those he alleged “hijacked” the party structure.
Asked to clarify, he said, “Former Senate President David Mark, former Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, and the rest.”
He insisted that the alleged takeover did not follow proper party procedures and that existing members were not consulted or carried along.
“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.
Abejide also said he had never had contact with other prominent figures linked to the coalition, including Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, and Peter Obi.
“No, I have never met with them. None of them has ever met me,” he stated.
He rejected claims of being sidelined, insisting on strict adherence to party rules:
“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.
Citing the ADC constitution, he added that those currently occupying leadership positions were not valid members at the time.
“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.
He further argued that proper procedures should have been followed, involving notification and convention processes before leadership changes.
He also referenced the Independent National Electoral Commission, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on the required steps for constitutional amendments and conventions within political parties.