President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila has urged the member representing the Yagba federal constituency in Kogi, Leke Abejide to remain in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and defend his political base.
Since July 2025, when an opposition coalition took over its leadership, the ADC has been embroiled in internal disputes, with a former deputy national chairman, Nafiu Bala, alleging that the ex-Senate President David Mark-led leadership of the party was illegally appointed.
At the party’s convention last week, the David Mark-led faction expelled Abejide and other members of the party, including Kingsley Temitope, Obinna Norman, Kennedy Odiong, and Stella Chukwuma, over the allegation of anti-party activities.
Abejide rejected his suspension as he described the event as a ‘suya’ convention that was “null and void.”
Speaking at Abejide’s birthday celebration, Gbajabiamila commended the lawmaker’s political trajectory and resilience, pointing out that his electoral victories under a relatively obscure political party demonstrate his strength as a politician.
He said, “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.”
The Chief of Staff to President Tinubu said Abejide did not only secure re-election but also helped expand the party’s influence by bringing in other candidates.
Gbajabiamila described the lawmaker as “a committed party man” and “a fighter”, urging him not to defect despite potential pressures.
“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,” he said.
Gbaja asserted that Abejide should remain steadfast and pursue his political ambitions within the party. “Continue what you are doing. Win your election there. Nobody can take your party away from you.”
