Tinubu Secures Kogi ADC Factional Endorsement Ahead of 2027 Elections

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A political faction within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kogi State has declared its support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections, adding a new dimension to the political alignment in the state.

The endorsement was announced during a large stakeholders’ gathering convened by Hon. Leke Joseph Abejide, a member of the House of Representatives and a prominent figure within the ADC structure in Kogi. The meeting brought together party members and delegates from across the state.

According to Gossip News Now, the gathering was described by participants as a strategic meeting aimed at consolidating the faction’s control over the party’s structure while also outlining its political direction for the upcoming election cycle.

During the deliberations, Abejide encouraged members of his faction to rally behind President Tinubu as the preferred candidate for the next presidential election. His proposal was reportedly welcomed enthusiastically by attendees, who expressed their readiness to mobilize support for the president.

Participants at the meeting also revisited the faction’s previous political stance, noting that the group had earlier backed the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the 2023 presidential election. The renewed endorsement of Tinubu for 2027 was therefore presented as a continuation of that earlier political alignment.

Congress Restructures Party Leadership in Kogi

Another key outcome of the meeting was the ratification of a new leadership structure for the ADC faction in Kogi State. Delegates representing the state’s nine federal constituencies participated in the congress, which was organised to fill vacant positions within the party hierarchy.

Vacancies had reportedly arisen due to a combination of resignations, deaths, and concerns about the performance of some officials. To address these gaps, the stakeholders approved a fresh lineup of executives to oversee the party’s affairs in the state.

The newly confirmed leadership team included:

Hon. (Chief) Sunday Maiyaki – State Chairman
Hon. Mamman Akpena – State Secretary

The appointments were endorsed by party leaders at various levels, including ward, local government, and state structures.

Rival Faction Rejects Outcome

While Abejide’s faction celebrated the decisions taken at the congress, the development further intensified an ongoing internal dispute within the ADC in Kogi State. Another faction linked to political figures such as former Senate President David Mark, Senator Tunde Ogbeha, and Senator Dino Melaye has rejected the process.

That rival camp insists that Kingsley Ogah remains the legitimate state chairman of the party. However, delegates at the congress dismissed that claim and reaffirmed his earlier expulsion, describing him as a self-declared leader acting against the interests of the party.

Several speakers from different constituencies addressed the gathering, expressing support for the leadership direction championed by Abejide. Contributors represented diverse areas across the state and reiterated their commitment to the faction’s political strategy.

The meeting also included cultural displays from Okun, Igala, and Ebira groups, symbolizing unity among members despite the broader party dispute.

Abejide Speaks on Party Crisis

Addressing the ongoing leadership struggle, Abejide criticised the actions of a former national chairman of the party, accusing him of attempting to hand over the party structure to individuals outside its established leadership framework.

He also dismissed claims that he had been expelled from the party, insisting that such declarations were politically motivated and lacked constitutional backing.

Abejide revealed that several legal cases are currently pending regarding the party’s national leadership structure. According to him, the faction believes the courts will eventually clarify the situation and allow for a properly organised national convention.

Future Plans for Party Mobilisation

In addition to political endorsements and leadership restructuring, the congress also discussed preparations for upcoming elections within Kogi State.

Abejide encouraged members to begin grassroots mobilisation ahead of the local government elections scheduled for October next year. He assured party supporters that the ADC would present candidates across different local councils in the state.

The lawmaker also announced plans to expand an interest-free loan initiative that has been running in the Yagba Federal Constituency, explaining that the programme would soon extend to other areas including Lokoja/Koto, Kogi Central, and Kogi East.

He further commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, describing him as a leader making steady efforts to improve governance in the state.

Commentary and Analysis

The endorsement of President Tinubu by a faction of the ADC highlights the complex and fluid nature of political alliances in Nigeria. Even within opposition parties, different groups often align themselves with ruling party figures based on regional interests or strategic calculations.

The internal divisions within the ADC in Kogi also illustrate how leadership disputes can shape the direction of party politics at the state level. When factions compete for legitimacy, their actions often influence electoral strategies and alliances.

For Abejide’s camp, the endorsement of Tinubu appears to serve both a political and strategic purpose—strengthening its influence within the party while positioning itself ahead of future elections.

However, the continued disagreement with rival factions suggests that the leadership contest within the ADC is far from settled. As legal battles and political negotiations continue, the party’s structure in Kogi State may remain a subject of intense political attention.