Fresh Drama In ADC As Abejide Accuses Top Politicians Of Party Hijack

A member of the House of Representatives representing Yagba Federal Constituency in Kogi State, Leke Abejide, has criticised the emergence of the leadership led by David Mark in the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

He alleged that influential politicians have taken control of the party amid its ongoing leadership crisis.

Abejide made the remarks on Thursday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

When asked to identify those he accused of taking over the party, he named David Mark and former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola, along with others.

He argued that the process lacked proper consultation with existing party members before the new leadership structure was put in place.

According to him, individuals seeking to join an existing party should first engage with its members rather than assume leadership positions without due process.

Responding to a question on whether he had interacted with key figures linked to the coalition, including Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, and Peter Obi, Abejide said he had never met any of them.

He also rejected claims that he was sidelined for being a “sellout,” insisting instead that his position is based on adherence to due process and party rules.

Citing the party’s constitution, Abejide maintained that the appointments of Mark and others did not follow laid-down procedures.

He argued that those who assumed leadership roles had not fulfilled membership requirements at the time, including proper registration at their ward level.

According to him, the appropriate process would have involved their formal entry into the party, followed by notification to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), issuance of a 21-day notice for a national convention, and constitutional amendments where necessary.

He concluded that bypassing these steps and taking over leadership immediately created the current dispute within the party.