Leke Abejide, the House of Representatives member for Yagba Federal Constituency in Kogi State, said on Thursday's programme Politics Today that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is being taken over by former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola. Abejide's allegation adds to an already volatile situation within the party, which he described as a deepening crisis. He specifically accused the two senior politicians of "hijacking" the ADC, implying that their influence is overriding the party's ordinary structures. The remarks were made during a live interview, marking the latest public airing of internal disputes that have plagued the ADC in recent weeks. No further details were provided about any formal proceedings or responses from Mark or Aregbesola. The episode underscores the fragility of party cohesion ahead of upcoming electoral contests, as members grapple with leadership rivalries and questions over the party's direction.
Abejide's charge that David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola are commandeering the ADC points to a classic power tussle between veteran politicians and the party's grassroots. By branding the senior figures as "hijackers," Abejide is signalling that the party's internal democracy may be under siege.
The episode unfolds against a backdrop of lingering factionalism within many Nigerian parties, where heavyweight leaders often dominate decision‑making. In the ADC, the involvement of a former Senate President and a former governor amplifies the stakes, as both bring extensive networks and resources that can eclipse ordinary members' voices.
For ordinary Nigerians, especially ADC supporters in Kogi and Osun, the infighting could dilute the party's ability to present a coherent platform, potentially eroding voter confidence and limiting its impact in forthcoming elections. Voters seeking an alternative to the dominant parties may find their options narrowed if the ADC cannot resolve its leadership dispute.
This clash mirrors a broader pattern of elite‑driven manoeuvring that frequently destabilises Nigerian political parties, raising doubts about their capacity to function as genuine vehicles for popular representation.
