A faction of the African Democratic Congress, led by Nafiu Bala, has rejected the expulsion of lawmaker Leke Abejide, describing the move as an illegitimate attempt to hijack the party’s structures. The expulsion was ratified by the National Working Committee loyal to Senator David Mark and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
The ADC has been embroiled in a crisis, with opposing factions and conflicting claims of legitimacy. The Bala-led faction’s Director of Media and Public Affairs, Dr. Christopher Okechukwu, stated that the expulsion was a desperate attempt by individuals whose actions are inconsistent with the party’s values and principles. Okechukwu argued that the group’s conduct showed they were not genuinely committed to the party’s growth and development.
The expulsion of Abejide, a two-term federal lawmaker, followed weeks of hostilities and parallel meetings within the party. The Bala-led faction strongly condemned the attempts by the self-appointed members of the National Working Committee to interfere in party affairs. Okechukwu insisted that the Atiku- and El-Rufai-backed NWC lacks the locus standi to punish a bona fide member.
Abejide’s expulsion was announced by the National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, who cited alleged “serial acts of indiscipline” as the reason. The party leadership also urged the Speaker of the House of Representatives to declare Abejide’s seat vacant. However, Abejide fired back, describing the attempt to unseat him as a malicious move led by individuals who “no longer have legal standing in the ADC.”
The ADC crisis continues to cast uncertainty over the party’s cohesion, with both camps pressing ahead with parallel activities in the lead-up to the upcoming congresses. The Bala-led faction remains resolute in opposing the actions and reaffirming their dedication to upholding the integrity and democratic processes of the ADC. As the party navigates this challenging period, the outcome of the upcoming congresses remains to be seen, with significant implications for the party’s future direction and stability.