ADC Leadership Denounces “Illegitimate” Expulsion of Rep. Leke Abijide, Says Desperate Coalition Members Acting Without Authority
The internal crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) escalated sharply on November 28, as the party’s recognised leadership condemned what it described as an “illegitimate, desperate, and politically motivated” expulsion of Hon. Leke Joseph Abijide, the lawmaker representing Yagba Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
The controversy began after a faction within the party — which the ADC leadership identifies as a coalition of unregistered and self-appointed individuals — announced the expulsion of Rep. Abijide. In response, the party’s Director of Media and Public Affairs, Dr. Christopher O. Okechukwu, issued a strongly worded statement rejecting the expulsion and warning that such actions threaten the integrity of the ADC’s internal democratic processes.
According to the statement, the individuals behind the announcement lack any legitimate authority within the ADC structure. Dr. Okechukwu emphasised that they are neither recognised members of the National Working Committee (NWC) nor mandated by any valid party organ. Instead, he described their behaviour as a calculated attempt to destabilise the party and seize control for personal and political gain.
Related News
Henry Seriake Dickson Defects from PDP to Newly Formed Nigeria Democratic Congress
Senator Henry Seriake Dickson has formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the newly registered Nigeria Democratic Congress…
Hon. Sarah Ivie Adidi Receives “Her Excellence Award” During International Women’s Day Event in Abuja
Reps aspirant Sarah Ivie Adidi has been honoured with the 2026 “Her Excellence Award” during an event marking International Women’s…
Governor Peter Mbah Urges Ndigbo to Return to Strategic Politics
Peter Mbah, Governor of Enugu State, has urged the Igbo political class to return to what he described as “strategic…
Dr. Okechukwu also highlighted Hon. Abijide’s contributions, noting that the lawmaker has consistently supported efforts to restore the party’s lawful leadership and push for a credible national convention. Abijide has also backed ongoing court cases challenging what the ADC leadership calls the “illegal recognition” of David Mark’s leadership faction by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“Hon. Abijide’s only so-called offense is his unwavering support for the party’s legitimate leadership and his refusal to endorse an unlawful takeover,” Okechukwu said. “We strongly condemn the attempts by unregistered, self-appointed members of the NWC to interfere in party affairs and remove an elected ADC representative. Their actions are illegitimate, unacceptable, and fundamentally inconsistent with the values and principles of this party.”
The ADC leadership reaffirmed that the faction responsible for the expulsion has no legal or organisational standing to discipline or remove any member, let alone an elected representative serving in the 10th National Assembly. The party insists that only the constitutionally recognised leadership — backed by valid structures and endorsed by legitimate organs — can make such decisions.
To the ADC, the expulsion attempt represents a broader effort to marginalise loyal members and sow division within the party. Dr. Okechukwu reiterated that the leadership will resist every attempt to hijack its internal processes and undermine its stability as the country approaches future electoral cycles.
The statement concluded with a pledge: “We remain fully committed to upholding the integrity of our democratic processes. No coalition, faction, or self-appointed group will be allowed to erode the foundation of this party or intimidate members who stand for transparency and lawful leadership.”
Meanwhile, public reaction across online political spaces has been predictably charged. Several commenters dismissed the expulsion as a political stunt, with some accusing ruling-party interests of fuelling instability within opposition parties. Others mocked the faction for attempting to expel one of the ADC’s few elected officials, describing the move as “a party destroying itself from within.”
While the blame game continues across social platforms, the ADC’s official stance remains firm: Rep. Leke Abijide’s expulsion is null, void, and without any legitimate basis — and the party intends to pursue all internal and legal remedies to prevent what it views as an unlawful power grab.