By Joy Onu
The faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kogi State, previously aligned with Rt. Hon. Leke Abejide Joseph, says its structure remains intact despite internal litigation and his exit from the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
The party called on members and supporters to remain calm and committed to its fold as legal proceedings over the leadership dispute between its faction and a coalition group continue at the Federal High Court.
This was contained in a statement issued on Saturday in Lokoja by the factional State Chairman, Sunday Maiyaki, and the State Secretary, Hon. Akpena Mamman.
The group explained that the exit of Rt. Hon. Abejide became necessary following electoral timelines released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which required political parties to complete membership verification on its online portal and conduct primaries within a limited timeframe.
“As a law-abiding party, the timing of the INEC timetable made it impossible to fully meet the conditions within the stipulated period. It was in response to these realities that Hon. Leke Abejide moved on to a national platform to pursue his political aspiration,” the statement said.
They stressed that Abejide remains committed to the welfare of members and has urged supporters to remain within the party and await the outcome of the ongoing court process.
The statement noted that the ADC has been embroiled in internal disputes and litigation since September over what it described as an attempted takeover by individuals it termed “political marauders.”
It maintained that those laying claim to leadership outside the recognised structure are not legitimate members of the party, adding that the party constitution bars new entrants from occupying national leadership positions until after two years of membership.
They urged members to remain vigilant, dismiss what it described as false leadership claims, and await the final determination of the matter.
