The African Democratic Congress, ADC, faction led by Nafiu Bala Gombe, has kicked against the suspension of the lawmaker representing Yagba Federal Constituency, Leke Abijide from the party.
It decried what it called an ‘illegitimate and desperate attempt’ by the other faction led by former Senate President, David Mark, to suspend the lawmaker.
DAILY POST reports that the David Mark-led ADC faction in a statement signed by the national publicity secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, confirmed the expulsion of Abejide from the party.
This was in endorsement of a decision earlier taken by its Kogi state executive committee.
The NWC led by Mark announced the ratification after its latest meeting at the ADC national headquarters in Abuja
But in a statement signed by the ADC factional Director of Media and Public Affairs, Dr. Christopher O. Okechukwu, the party said such actions does not align with the party’s laws.
DAILY POST reports that the lawmaker has stood firm in his belief that the party belongs to the Gombe-led faction and must be restored to the legitimate leadership structure.
The ADC said it was concerned about the recent actions of those it called coalition members who, according to it, are going against the principles of the party, insisting that such persons not genuinely committed to the party’s growth and development.
“We strongly condemn the attempts by unregistered, self-appointed members of the National Working Committee, NWC, to illegitimately interfere in party affairs and remove an elected ADC representative to the 10th National Assembly.
“We reject the expulsion of Hon. Joseph Abijide Leke, Member representing Yagba Federal Constituency, as illegitimate and unacceptable,” the statement said.
The ADC said that the David Mark led National Working Committee does not have the powers to sanction or punish a bona fide member of the party, let alone an elected federal lawmaker.
“We remain resolute in opposing these actions and reaffirm our dedication to upholding the integrity and democratic processes of the ADC,” it added.