Fresh concerns have emerged over deepening divisions within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as a member of the House of Representatives, Leke Abejide, warned that the party is now split into rival factions following a controversial coalition arrangement.
Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Political Paradigm, Abejide said the ADC had enjoyed relative stability prior to the coalition initiative, which he blamed for triggering internal discord and the emergence of parallel party structures.
“Our party was very quiet before the issue of coalition came into place. Since the coalition started, we’ve been having issues,” he said. “We have two ADCs now: we have the coalition ADC, and we have the original ADC. So these are the two groups now in court, and we don’t know how it’s going to end.”
The lawmaker indicated that the dispute has escalated into a legal battle, with both factions seeking recognition, a development that could have significant implications for the party’s cohesion ahead of future elections.
Abejide also used the platform to emphasise his longstanding loyalty to the ADC, describing himself as the only elected official who has consistently remained with the party since his political career began. According to him, many of the party’s recent entrants were elected under different platforms before defecting.
“I am the only elected member of the ADC. Anybody you see in ADC today may have decamped to us recently, either in the House of Representatives or in the Senate,” he stated. “They were not elected on this platform; they were elected on different platforms.”
He further noted that several of the new members joined the party only weeks ago, underscoring what he suggested was a sudden influx that may have contributed to the current instability.
Rebutting claims that he had been expelled from the party, Abejide insisted that the recognised leadership of the ADC remains intact and continues to function. “So, the issue of expulsion, nobody expelled me. My national chairman is still there, along with all our party executives,” he said.
In a related remark, the lawmaker dismissed speculation surrounding the involvement of prominent political figures in the party’s affairs, stating that David Mark is not a member of the ADC.
The unfolding crisis highlights growing tensions within smaller political parties in Nigeria, particularly as coalition-building efforts intensify ahead of future electoral contests. Observers say the outcome of the ongoing legal dispute will be critical in determining the ADC’s unity and political relevance in the coming years.
