A member of the House of Representatives representing Yagba Federal Constituency in Kogi State, Leke Abejide, has faulted the process through which the David Mark-led leadership emerged in the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
He claimed that some prominent politicians have hijacked the ADC amid the party’s deepening leadership crisis.
The lawmaker made the allegation on Thursday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
When asked to clarify the identities of the “hijackers,” he said, “Former Senate President David Mark, former Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, and the rest.”
He pointed out that proper consultation with existing party members was not carried out before the Mark leadership emerged.
“If you want to come to a party, and it is not a fresh one, you should know that some people are there. Why don’t you meet with them first and discuss?” he said.
Asked whether he had ever held meetings with key figures reportedly involved in the coalition, including Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, and Peter Obi, Abejide responded, “No, I have never met with them. None of them has ever met me.”
The lawmaker also dismissed suggestions that he was sidelined because he was perceived as a “sellout,” stating, “I am not a sellout. It is not because they didn’t consult me; let us do things according to the law. This party cannot be destroyed.”
Citing the ADC constitution, Abejide argued that the appointments of Mark and others violated established rules.
He maintained that those who assumed leadership positions had not fulfilled these requirements at the time.
“As at the time they sat on their seats, they had not registered in their wards. They were not members of the ADC as at the time they took over,” he said.
“What they ought to have done is to allow them to come in, then write to INEC, give 21 days’ notice for a national convention, and amend the constitution properly… By then, nobody can go to court. But that was not the case; they immediately took over that day as if the election were tomorrow,” he stated.
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