A prominent Nigerian lawmaker has vowed to expel high-profile political figures from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), escalating tensions within the opposition party amid a leadership dispute. Leke Abejide, a member of the House of Representatives and chair of its Customs and Excise Committee, declared during a recent podcast appearance that coalition leaders including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Governor Rauf Aregbesola, former Senate President David Mark, former Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi, and 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi would be “sent back to where they came from.” The warning follows the coalition’s recent adoption of the ADC as its official political platform, a move Abejide claims violates the party’s internal rules.
The coalition, composed of defectors from Nigeria’s Labour Party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and factions of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), named Mark as the ADC’s Interim National Chairman and Aregbesola as Interim Secretary. Speculation has mounted that Atiku, Obi, and Amaechi—all influential figures in Nigerian politics—may seek the ADC’s presidential ticket. Abejide, however, dismissed their influence, citing an ADC constitutional clause requiring members to be part of the party for at least two years before holding national office. “There is no room for an interim leader,” he emphasized during the Mic On podcast.
The lawmaker, who represents Yagba East/Yagba West/Mopamuro Federal Constituency in Kogi State, also addressed a parallel leadership crisis in his home state. He accused coalition-backed figures, including controversial politician Dino Melaye and former Senator Tunde Ogbeha, of orchestrating instability. Abejide singled out Kingsley Ogah and Ibrahim Adaji, disputing their authority to suspend members without approval from local ward executives. “They can’t constitute themselves as the state working committee,” he stated, dismissing their actions as procedurally invalid.
Abejide framed the conflict as a clash between established party members and recent arrivals seeking to “take over” the ADC. He repeatedly emphasized procedural rigor, asserting that leadership disputes must follow constitutional guidelines, including referrals to ward-level officials. “Give me a few days,” he challenged, promising to demonstrate his faction’s control over the party.
The remarks highlight deepening fractures within Nigeria’s opposition as political realignments intensify ahead of future elections. The ADC, a minor party previously aligned with the PDP, has gained prominence as a potential coalition vehicle, attracting seasoned politicians eyeing electoral opportunities. Abejide’s defiance signals resistance to external influence, underscoring broader debates about party legitimacy and internal democracy in Nigeria’s fluid political landscape. Observers anticipate further developments as the ADC’s leadership asserts its stance in the coming days.
