By Ade Iyamoye
In a dramatic twist that mirrors the fierce and unapologetic political style of Nigeria’s Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, Hon. Leke Abejide has declared a battle for the soul of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), accusing the party’s newly inaugurated National Executive Committee (NEC), of illegitimacy and betrayal.
Abejide, the party’s highest elected official and member representing Yagba East/Yagba West/Mopa Moro Federal Constituency of Kogi State, has never been one to shy away from confrontation.
Like Wike, renowned for his blunt speech, calculated moves, and zero-tolerance for internal sabotage, Abejide is taking a stand, invoking loyalty, truth, and order as he fights to reclaim the party he believes is being hijacked.
“They are driven by selfish ambition, not the interest of the party,” Abejide said, in a tone that echoes Wike’s trademark political fire. “We won’t allow a few desperate individuals to derail our democratic structure.”
The drama unfolding within the ADC is not just an internal party affair, it is a test of Abejide’s political mettle. Much like Wike, whose dominance in Rivers politics was built on bold moves and a refusal to play by imposed rules, Abejide is stepping into the ring to wrestle control from what he sees as opportunistic forces.
For Abejide, this isn’t just politics, it’s personal. Sources close to him describe him as a man deeply invested in the ADC’s original vision, a man who put his name and popularity on the line to give the party national relevance.
Having emerged as one of the party’s strongest pillars, his current stance is seen not as rebellion, but a necessary purge.
“He made the party visible in the National Assembly,” one aide said. “Now some people want to use that platform to serve themselves? He won’t fold his arms.”
Drawing parallels with Wike’s playbook, Abejide’s response to the NEC’s emergence was swift, pointed, and unfiltered.
He questioned the constitutionality of the process, condemned the alleged manipulation behind the scenes, and vowed to lead a faction determined to restore the ADC’s integrity.
True to his threat, Abejide has dragged the party leadership to court, seeking to nullify the NEC’s inauguration and halt further actions taken under its authority.
The lawsuit, observers say, signals that Abejide is not bluffing, he is prepared to exhaust all legal and political means to assert what he believes is right.
Observers say Abejide’s assertive approach may redefine internal party dynamics, forcing a reckoning among stakeholders who underestimated his resolve.
While the ADC’s crisis deepens, what is clear is that Abejide has made his move and like Wike in his political battles, he’s playing to win.
“I am not afraid,” he said. “What’s wrong is wrong. I will speak up and stand firm until justice is done.”
For many within the party, the coming days will test not only the strength of Abejide’s convictions but also the unity of a party now teetering on the edge.
But one thing is certain: in Leke Abejide, the ADC has found its own Wike, fiery, fearless, and unrelenting.
