Hon. Leke Abejide, a member of the House of Representatives and prominent figure in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has strongly rejected attempts by a coalition of top politicians to take control of the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Abejide, who represents Yagba East/Yagba West/Mopamuro Federal Constituency in Kogi State, made his position known on Friday during an interview on Channels Television’s Morning Brief.
The lawmaker accused the coalition—which includes former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark, ex-Minister Rotimi Amaechi, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal, and Dino Melaye—of plotting to hijack the party without following due process.
“You cannot come to somebody’s house, hijack his house, and you think the person, no matter how stupid he is, will just watch. I will let them know that I am the landlord,” Abejide said.
“I didn’t establish the party, but I am the one who made the party remain where it is today. Without me, the ADC wouldn’t have the political relevance it has now.”
Recently, a powerful coalition of opposition figures began moves to take over the leadership of the ADC as part of a broader plan to create a strong third-force platform ahead of the 2027 presidential election. The plan, sources say, is to rally disaffected politicians from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) under one political umbrella.
The coalition, allegedly led by David Mark, has already gained some ground in the party’s leadership structure, sparking internal conflict.
However, Abejide insists that the coalition’s actions are not only unconstitutional but also disrespectful to loyal party members who have built the ADC over the years.
“This attempt to take over the party from the backdoor will be resisted. We cannot allow people to use the ADC as a temporary vehicle for personal political ambition and dump it afterward,” he said.
Abejide, one of ADC’s few elected office holders, has been a key figure in sustaining the party, especially in the National Assembly. He has contested governorship elections and is seen as one of the most active and financially committed politicians within the party.
He believes the coalition is only interested in using the ADC for their presidential ambitions without understanding the party’s ideology or respecting its constitution.
“What we saw during the just-concluded by-elections is proof that the coalition cannot win elections. They are not as popular as they think. The people have rejected them,” Abejide said.
He warned that any takeover not in line with the party’s constitution would be legally and politically challenged.
The rising tension in ADC is a reflection of the broader political uncertainty in Nigeria as various political actors begin early preparations for the 2027 elections.
Many opposition leaders are said to be frustrated with the PDP’s internal crisis and are now looking for a new platform. However, their entry into smaller parties like ADC has not been without controversy.
Analysts believe that unless the ADC resolves its internal crisis quickly, it may suffer serious setbacks in 2027.
“There is a risk that the ADC may implode before it even gets the chance to grow,” said Dr. Felix Ibrahim, a political analyst based in Abuja. “The leadership must be careful to balance old members’ loyalty with new alliances.”
Abejide, who is expected to contest for governor again in Kogi State, has hinted that he will not allow the party to be overrun while he remains active.
He has also criticised the way the coalition announced its entry into ADC, describing it as arrogant and disrespectful.
“If they want to join the ADC, they must do so respectfully. You can’t come into someone’s house and want to dictate how things are done,” he said.
