Femi Gbajabiamila, chief of staff to President Bola Tinubu, has urged Leke Abejide, member representing Yagba federal constituency in Kogi state, to remain in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and defend his political base despite the party’s deepening internal crisis.
The ADC has been embroiled in leadership tussles since July 2025, when an opposition coalition assumed control of the party’s structure, triggering disputes and counter-claims among factions.
The crisis escalated last week when a faction led by former Senate President David Mark expelled Abejide and several others — including Kingsley Temitope, Obinna Norman, Kennedy Odiong, and Stella Chukwuma — over alleged anti-party activities.
Reacting to the move, Abejide dismissed the convention that produced the decision as illegitimate, describing it as a “suya” gathering and insisting it was “null and void.”
Speaking at Abejide’s birthday celebration, Gbajabiamila praised the lawmaker’s resilience and political strength, noting that his repeated electoral victories under a relatively less prominent platform underscore his influence.
“For a man to contest in a place like Kogi, under a relatively unknown party, and win back-to-back elections, it tells you who that man is,” he said.
He added that Abejide not only secured re-election but also expanded the party’s reach by attracting other candidates, describing him as “a committed party man” and “a fighter.”
“My charge to you is to stay in that same party. Fight them. Scatter them. Hold on to your party. Do not abandon them. We like what you are doing. Hold on to your party. Do not abandon it,” Gbajabiamila said.
He further encouraged the lawmaker to remain resolute and pursue his ambitions within the ADC.
“Continue what you are doing. Win your election there. Nobody can take your party away from you,” he added.
