Leke Abejide, member representing Yagba East/Yagba West/Mopamuro Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has left the African Democratic Congress. He announced his departure at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, attributing it to internal party crises, ongoing legal battles, and leadership uncertainty. Abejide, the only federal lawmaker elected under the ADC banner in 2023, said the decision was painful but necessary to protect his political future. He accused certain party figures of deliberately stalling a court case he filed in August 2025 against David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola, Ralph Nwosu, and the ADC as a corporate entity.
Abejide claimed the delays, including repeated attempts by defendants to join new parties to the suit, prevented timely resolution ahead of INEC's 2027 election timetable. His legal team advised him to seek another platform due to the lack of a validly recognised national chairman and national secretary—officials required by law to sign nomination forms. He alleged that a faction within the party sought to block long-standing members from achieving political success.
The party had expelled Abejide during its national convention, citing Article 19(2) of its constitution over alleged anti-party activities. Others expelled included Nafiu Bala, Kingsley Temitope, Noman Obinna, Kennedy Odion, and Stella Chukwuma. Abejide dismissed the expulsion, stating he had already resigned voluntarily and extinguished his membership. He said his political structure remains intact and ready for the 2027 elections. He referenced Isaiah 9:10, saying he would rebuild on a stronger foundation.
Gbajabiamila, former Speaker and current Chief of Staff to the President, had urged Abejide in April to stay in the ADC. Abejide clarified those remarks were made in jest and not to be taken as formal intervention.
Leke Abejide claims he left the ADC to save his political future, yet waited until after a court case was delayed and an expulsion was announced before making his move. He insists his membership was already extinguished, but only after the party moved to sanction him alongside other defectors. His reference to rebuilding on a stronger foundation rings hollow while offering no clarity on where he now stands. The timeline suggests the exit was less about principle and more about staying ahead of political consequences.
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