ADC Crisis: Abejide Accuses David Mark, Aregbesola of Skipping Ward Registration, Backs Tinubu for 2027

Leke Abejide alleges David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola and others bypassed ward registration before taking over ADC leadership, as he reaffirms support for President Tinubu’s 2027 bid.

By J.O. Abel-Ontop

The leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has taken a sharper turn, with the party’s National Leader, Hon. Leke Abejide, accusing former Senate President David Mark, ex-Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola and their allies of bypassing constitutional procedures before assuming control of the party.

Abejide, who represents Yagba Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, made the allegations during an appearance on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme anchored by Seun Okinbaloye.

He claimed that members of the faction led by Mark did not fulfill the basic requirement of registering at their respective ward levels before emerging in key leadership positions within the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and National Working Committee (NWC).

According to him, such actions amount to a violation of the ADC constitution and undermine internal democratic processes.

“As at the time they assumed leadership, they were not registered members at the ward level. That alone invalidates the process,” Abejide said.

He further described the development as a “hijack” of the party’s structure, alleging that longstanding members were neither consulted nor carried along before the leadership changes were announced.

The lawmaker maintained that due process requires new entrants into a political party to properly register, integrate with existing structures, and follow laid-down procedures, including notifying the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and convening a properly constituted national convention.

He warned that failure to adhere to these processes has plunged the party into avoidable legal battles and internal divisions.

The crisis has since evolved into a multi-factional dispute, with parallel leadership claims and ongoing litigations complicating the party’s stability. INEC is currently maintaining the status quo in line with a subsisting court directive, pending final judicial determination.

In recent developments, rival factions have staged separate protests at the INEC headquarters in Abuja, each laying claim to the authentic leadership of the party.

While a coalition led by David Mark and supported by prominent opposition figures organised a demonstration to press for recognition, another group aligned with Nafiu Bala, and backed by Abejide, also approached the commission, expressing confidence in the rule of law and the judiciary.

Abejide urged the courts to expedite action on the matter, insisting that only a clear legal pronouncement can restore order within the party.

Addressing speculations about his stance, the lawmaker dismissed claims of political compromise, insisting his position is guided strictly by legality and party survival.

“I am not a sellout. This is about protecting the integrity of the party and ensuring that due process is followed,” he stated.

On the broader political landscape, Abejide reaffirmed his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his anticipated second-term bid in 2027.

He noted that his position is based on a pragmatic assessment of ADC’s current electoral strength, revealing that he had previously advised stakeholders to align with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) during the 2023 presidential election.

According to him, such strategic alignment would allow the party to consolidate its influence through legislative contests while gradually building national capacity.

Political analysts say the unfolding ADC crisis underscores persistent challenges within Nigeria’s opposition parties, where internal disagreements over leadership and structure often weaken cohesion ahead of major elections.

With court proceedings ongoing and tensions still high among party stakeholders, the future direction of the ADC remains uncertain as the 2027 political cycle gradually comes into focus.