PRESS RELEASE ON MY POLITICAL REALIGNMENT FOR THE PROGRESSIVE PROMOTION OF YAGBA FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY
It is a painful but necessary decision to realign politically in order to safeguard my future and protect the ideals I have long stood for. This decision became inevitable following the activities of individuals who infiltrated and destabilized my former political party—one I laboured tirelessly to nurture and build with deep commitment.
For clarity and public understanding, it is important to outline the sequence of events that led to this decision. Around August 2025, I instituted a legal action against leaders of the ADC Coalition, including Senator David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola, Chief Ralph Nwosu, and the party itself. During the court’s long vacation, my legal team successfully applied for an accelerated hearing in view of the approaching electoral timelines. The presiding Judge granted this request to ensure timely justice, allowing all parties to determine their political paths ahead of the primaries.
However, the defendants adopted delay tactics by introducing multiple parties into the suit, thereby frustrating the proceedings. This prolonged the case until the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) released the timetable for the 2027 general elections. As a result of these deliberate delays, my counsel advised that I consider alternative political platforms to pursue my ambition.
Further legal advice revealed that the ADC had become structurally compromised, lacking validly recognized leadership capable of fulfilling mandatory electoral requirements, such as endorsing nomination forms. It became evident that the so-called coalition had no genuine intention to strengthen the party but rather to undermine long-standing members like myself—those who had remained loyal since 2019 and contributed significantly to the party’s growth and electoral successes.
To my fellow Nigerians, and especially my loyal supporters in Yagba Federal Constituency, Kogi State, and beyond, I address you at this critical time. The crisis that engulfed the ADC, marked by unlawful takeover and leadership disputes, necessitated my recourse to the Federal High Court in defense of my constitutional right to freedom of association.
I joined the ADC with a vision and invested my resources and energy to build it into a nationally recognized platform with legislative representation. As National Leader, I funded party structures and later relinquished leadership to the current National Chairman, Hon. Nafiu Bala, whom I wish well in his ongoing legal battles. While our collective aspiration was to build a party of pride and integrity, circumstances have taken a different turn.
After wide consultations with political leaders, constituents, and supporters who share my vision—aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu—I have resolved to continue my political journey within a more stable and progressive platform. This decision was made after deep reflection and prayer, drawing inspiration from Isaiah 9:10: “The bricks are fallen down, but we will build with hewn stones; the sycomores are cut down, but we will change them into cedars.” I am determined to rebuild on a stronger foundation that will better serve my people.
I also wish to address the claim that I was expelled from the ADC on April 14, 2026. I categorically state that I had, prior to that date, voluntarily withdrawn my membership in accordance with the provisions of the party’s constitution. My exit was lawful, deliberate, and final.
Furthermore, I must clarify a widely circulated video involving Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President. His remarks advising me to remain in the ADC and “fight” were made in a lighthearted and informal context, consistent with our usual interactions. They have been grossly misinterpreted and taken out of context. At no point did he advocate the destruction of any political party. On the contrary, he encouraged due process and wished me well in my legal pursuit. Any attempt to portray his comments as undemocratic is both misleading and unfounded.
Recent developments, including the Federal High Court judgment delivered by Hon. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on April 29, 2026, have further validated my concerns about the internal inconsistencies and constitutional breaches within the party.
Finally, I want to appreciate you all for standing by me in the trying times of building a virile political party that was unfortunately hijacked by individuals known for such tendencies since the return of democracy in 1999. On this note, I am officially informing you that I have moved on from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to pursue my future political ambitions on a more viable platform.
Thank you for your attention.
RT. HON. LEKE ABEJIDE
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