By Oluwakemi Kindness
The factional National Leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Hon. Leke Abejide, on Friday formally announced his resignation from the party, citing a deepening leadership crisis and adverse court developments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja, Abejide described his decision as “painful but necessary,” blaming what he termed the unlawful takeover of the party by a coalition of political actors, including David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola.
He disclosed that the crisis began in August 2025 when he instituted a suit at the Federal High Court challenging the legitimacy of the party’s leadership.
According to him, the court granted accelerated hearing due to the urgency of the matter, especially with the electoral cycle approaching.
However, Abejide alleged that the defendants deliberately stalled proceedings by filing multiple applications and introducing additional parties into the suit, leading to repeated adjournments that dragged on until the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) released the timetable for the 2027 elections.
He said the prolonged delays created serious uncertainty over the legal standing of the party and the validity of candidates seeking to contest under its platform.
The lawmaker representing Yagba Federal Constituency further argued that the ADC has become effectively “leaderless,” noting that the absence of duly recognized national officers to sign nomination forms could render candidates invalid under electoral law.
Abejide also referenced a recent judgment delivered on April 29, 2026, by Joyce Abdulmalik, which he said reinforced his concerns about the legality and stability of the party’s current leadership structure.
Describing the situation as a hijack, he accused the new leadership of sidelining founding members and undermining the party’s original vision, adding that he played a key role in building and funding the ADC to national relevance.
He dismissed claims that he was expelled from the party, insisting that he had voluntarily withdrawn his membership in accordance with the party’s constitution before any such move.
On his next political step, Abejide signaled alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, indicating plans to continue his political ambition on a more stable platform.
He also addressed a viral video involving the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, clarifying that remarks suggesting he should remain in the ADC to “fight and scatter” the party were made jokingly and have been misinterpreted.
Abejide thanked his supporters across Yagba Federal Constituency and beyond for their loyalty, reaffirming his commitment to pursuing his political ambition under a platform that guarantees structure, legality, and effective representation ahead of the 2027 elections.
