By Jane Okafor, Abuja
Honourable Leke Abejide, National Leader of the Nafiu Bala-led faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has resigned from the party amid its lingering leadership crisis.
The Yagba Federal Constituency lawmaker announced his exit at a Friday press briefing in Abuja, citing internal disputes and legal uncertainties that could stop the party from fielding candidates in the 2027 general elections.
Abejide, who chairs the House of Representatives Committee on Customs and Excise, said the decision followed professional legal advice aimed at protecting his political future.
While he did not name his next destination, his appearance—featuring a cap linked to President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC)—fuelled speculation of a move to the ruling party.
He also confirmed handing over the ADC structure to Bala Gombe, a decision he considered as quite painful.
“It is a painful decision, but necessary to save my political future from those who came to destroy my former political party, which I laboured hard to nurture and love dearly. It is important to explain the circumstances that necessitated the decision I took a few weeks ago so that the public can understand what transpired.
“Around August 2025, I took the leaders of the ADC coalition—Senator David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola, Chief Ralph Nwosu—and the party itself to court. During the court’s long vacation, my lawyers approached the court and sought approval for an accelerated hearing so the matter could be resolved within a reasonable timeframe, given the approaching electoral activities.
“The judge granted accelerated hearing to determine the case so that each party could either proceed with the ADC or seek another platform to pursue their political ambitions.
“However, the defendants—David Mark and others—kept introducing new parties into the suit as a delay tactic, preventing timely adjudication until the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) released the timetable for primaries and the 2027 general elections.
“Due to prolonged adjournments caused by the opposing counsel’s tactics to frustrate the hearing, my counsel advised me to consider an alternative political platform.
“Given the situation before the Federal High Court, my counsel further advised that since the ADC is effectively leaderless—with no validly elected National Chairman and National Secretary to sign nomination forms, as required by law—I should seek another platform to pursue my ambition.
“The party structure was funded by me as the National Leader, and I have willingly relinquished it to the current National Chairman, Hon. Nafiu Bala. I wish him well as he continues to pursue his rights in court.
“I have consulted extensively with my political leaders, constituents, and supporters who share my vision, which aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I am ready to continue my support within this progressive fold.
“Finally, I appreciate everyone who stood by me during the challenging process of building a virile political party that was eventually hijacked by individuals known for such actions since the return to democracy in 1999.
“On this note, I formally inform you that I have moved on from the ADC to pursue my political future,” he said.
