A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kogi State has formally endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in the 2027 general elections.
The endorsement was announced on Saturday during an expanded stakeholders’ meeting convened by factional leader and House of Representatives member, Rep. Leke Joseph Abejide.
Abejide moved the motion calling on members to “stand firmly with President Tinubu,” recalling that the faction had also unanimously supported the APC candidate in the 2023 polls. The hall erupted in applause as stakeholders once again adopted Tinubu as their preferred candidate for 2027, vowing to deliver votes for both the president and Abejide.
The meeting, described as decisive and highly charged, also saw the faction ratify a new set of state executives to manage the ADC’s affairs in Kogi State. Delegates drawn from all nine federal constituencies attended the congress, which aimed to fill vacancies created by deaths, resignations, and alleged dereliction of duty by former officials.
Abejide, a member of the ADC National Executive Committee, positioned the gathering as a strategic move to reclaim the party structure amid an ongoing struggle between his camp and rival factions.
Mark, Melaye, Ogbeha Camp Rejects Process
The development has deepened the rift within the party, especially between Abejide’s faction and another loyal to former Senate President David Mark, Senator Tunde Ogbeha, and Senator Dino Melaye.
The rival group insists Kingsley Ogah remains the rightful state chairman. However, delegates at Saturday’s congress again rejected Ogah’s claim to leadership.
Stakeholders from the nine constituencies reaffirmed Ogah’s expulsion, branding him “a self-acclaimed leader of an illegal coalition working against the party’s interest.”
Contributors included:
- 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)
- Hon. Sunday Oseje (Dekina/Bassa)
All speakers unanimously affirmed that Ogah no longer holds any legitimate position in the ADC.
Representing Dr Omede Idris, Mr Aku conveyed the Kogi East bloc’s unwavering support for Abejide’s leadership. A letter dated November 1, 2024, from ADC stakeholders in Odo-Ara/Omi/Ogga Ward of Yagba West was also read publicly, outlining Ogah’s alleged offences and reaffirming his expulsion.
With broad consensus, party chairmen and women at state, local government, and ward levels ratified the newly nominated executives. The event also featured cultural performances from the Okun, Igala, and Ebira ethnic groups as a symbol of unity.
Abejide Faults Former National Chairman
Commenting on the leadership crisis, Abejide accused former National Chairman, Chief Ralph Nwosu, of “handing over the party to outsiders,” contrary to Article 9(4) of the ADC constitution.
He dismissed his alleged expulsion—announced by Senator Dino Melaye—as “baseless, desperate, and entirely misleading,” insisting that no external interference would be allowed to destabilize the party in Kogi State.
Why Ogah and Adaji Were Removed
Abejide noted that he personally sponsored the congress that produced Kingsley Temitope Ogah and John Adaji but said their subsequent actions warranted their removal. He stressed that leadership gaps could not be tolerated and immediately announced suitable replacements.
He also disclosed that several court cases were ongoing against what he called the “illegal national leadership,” expressing confidence that the faction would eventually reclaim the national secretariat and organize a lawful national convention.
Abejide urged members to begin mobilization for next year’s local government elections scheduled for October, assuring that the ADC would field candidates across the state.
He further pledged to expand his interest-free loan programme—currently operational in the Yagba Federal Constituency—to Lokoja/Koto, Kogi Central, and Kogi East as part of broader poverty reduction efforts.
Abejide also praised Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, describing him as “a leader steadily transforming Kogi State.”
Maiyaki Elected Chairman, Akpena Appointed Secretary
The congress elected Hon. Mamman Akpena as the new State Secretary, while Hon. (Chief) Sunday Maiyaki emerged as the State Chairman amid widespread approval.
In his acceptance speech, an emotional Maiyaki praised Abejide, whom he called “the indefatigable and indisputable landlord of the ADC,” and pledged to lead with transparency, inclusiveness, and renewed grassroots engagement. He also committed to supporting the re-election bids of both Abejide and President Tinubu in 2027.
According to Naija News, the meeting concluded with a united declaration reaffirming loyalty to Abejide and the “original ADC” in Kogi State. Stakeholders endorsed the newly ratified executives and vowed to secure resounding victories for Abejide and President Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
