A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kogi State on Saturday declared full support for the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.
Naijaonpoint reports that the endorsement came during an expanded stakeholders’ meeting convened by the factional leader, Rep. Leke Joseph Abejide.
In a motion that received thunderous applause, Abejide urged party members to “stand firmly with President Tinubu,” recalling the faction’s unanimous backing of the APC candidate in 2023.
The stakeholders again adopted Tinubu as their preferred choice for 2027, with speakers pledging to deliver their polling units for both the president and Abejide.
The endorsement set the tone for a tense but decisive meeting where the faction ratified new state executives to steer the ADC’s affairs in Kogi.
The meeting drew representatives from all nine federal constituencies and was convened to fill vacancies arising from resignations, deaths and alleged dereliction of duty by former officials.
Led by Abejide, who represents Yagba Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and serves on the ADC National Executive Committee, the gathering marked a significant attempt to reclaim the party’s structure amid an ongoing battle between rival factions.
Mark, Melaye, Ogbeha Group Opposes Process
Naijaonpoint reports that the move, however, further sharpens the divide between Abejide’s camp and the rival faction aligned with former Senate President David Mark, Senator Tunde Ogbeha and Senator Dino Melaye.
That faction maintains Kingsley Ogah as the state chairman, though stakeholders at Saturday’s meeting strongly rejected his claim to leadership.
Speakers from the nine constituencies took turns to reaffirm the expulsion of Ogah, describing him as “a self-acclaimed leader of an illegal coalition working against the party’s interest.”
Among those who spoke were Otunba Duro Aseremaseka (Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu), Pastor Joseph Asalu (Yagba), Hon. Bakabe Farouk (Lokoja/Koto), Hon. Joshua Adejo (Igalamela/Odolu/Ofu), Hon. Yunusa Tair (Ankpa), Mallam Hussein Saha Adam (Okehi), and Hon. Sunday Oseje (Dekina/Bassa).
All unanimously declared that Ogah no longer holds any legitimate position within the ADC.
Representing Dr Omede Idris, Aku relayed the unwavering support of the Kogi East bloc for Abejide’s leadership, further deepening the faction’s consolidation.
A letter dated November 1, 2024, from ADC stakeholders in Odo-Ara/Omi/Ogga Ward of Yagba West was read openly, detailing Ogah’s alleged offences and reiterating his expulsion.
Following this, chairmen and women from the state, local government and ward levels collectively ratified the newly nominated executives.
The affirmations were followed by colourful cultural performances from Okun, Igala and Ebira groups, symbolising unity behind the Abejide-led camp.
Speaking on the leadership dispute, Abejide blamed the current crisis on the alleged actions of former National Chairman, Chief Ralph Nwosu, whom he accused of “handing over the party to outsiders” in violation of Article 9(4) of the ADC Constitution.
He dismissed claims of his expulsion signed by Senator Dino Melaye, saying the allegation was “desperate, baseless and a blatant misinformation.”
According to him, “No amount of impunity imported from external forces will be allowed to destabilise the ADC in Kogi State.”
Why Ogah and Adaji Were Removed
Abejide explained that he personally sponsored the congress that produced Kingsley Temitope Ogah and John Adaji before their alleged misconduct necessitated their expulsion.
He insisted that the party could not afford leadership gaps and immediately announced credible replacements.
The lawmaker also revealed that several court cases against the “illegal national leadership” were ongoing and expressed confidence that the faction would reclaim the party’s national secretariat and conduct a proper national convention once the cases are resolved.
Shifting focus to political mobilisation, Abejide urged party members to begin preparations for next year’s local government elections slated for October, affirming that the ADC would sponsor candidates across the state.
He further promised to expand his interest-free loan scheme—currently active in Yagba Federal Constituency—to Lokoja/Koto, Kogi Central and Kogi East, describing the initiative as part of his contribution to poverty eradication.
Abejide also applauded Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his achievements, calling him “a leader steadily transforming Kogi State.”
Maiyaki Elected Chairman, Akpena Named Secretary
The congress announced Hon. Mamman Akpena as the new State Secretary of the ADC, while Hon. (Chief) Sunday Maiyaki emerged as State Chairman amid widespread acceptance.
In his emotional acceptance speech, Maiyaki hailed Abejide—whom he described as “the indefatigable and indisputable landlord of the ADC,”and promised to lead with transparency and inclusiveness while strengthening the party from the grassroots.
He also pledged full support for the re-election of both Abejide and President Tinubu in 2027.
Naijaonpoint understands that the meeting ended with a joint declaration by all stakeholders reaffirming loyalty to Abejide and the “original ADC” in Kogi State.
They endorsed the newly ratified executives and vowed to deliver a sweeping victory for both Abejide and President Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
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