Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, has urged Leke Abejide, a House of Representatives member and National Leader of the Nafiu Gombe-led faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), to remain in the party and continue to cause disruption.
Gbajabiamila made the remarks during a birthday celebration organized for Abejide, where he praised the lawmaker for “doing a great job” for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He encouraged Abejide to disregard overtures from APC members inviting him to defect.
“Don’t come to APC. Stay in ADC and scatter them. We like what you’re doing. Don’t mind former governor Yahaya Bello, who said you should join APC,” Gbajabiamila stated. “No, no, no, stay in ADC and win your election. Also, bring Bala Gombe, and we’ll support him. Good luck in court.”
The comments come amid ongoing internal turmoil within the ADC, which has split into two rival factions. The division has created significant instability within the party, raising questions about its cohesion and future electoral prospects.
Gbajabiamila’s remarks highlight the strategic advantage the APC sees in maintaining divisions within opposition parties. By encouraging key figures like Abejide to remain in the ADC, the ruling party aims to weaken its rivals ahead of future elections.
The ADC’s internal crisis underscores broader challenges facing Nigeria’s opposition parties, many of which have struggled with leadership disputes and factionalism. The outcome of the legal battles between the rival factions could have significant implications for the party’s role in Nigeria’s political landscape.
As the situation unfolds, observers will be watching closely to see how the ADC navigates its internal divisions and whether the faction led by Abejide and Gombe can maintain its influence.
