The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has debunked reports suggesting that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has refused to recognize the leadership of the party under former Senate President, Senator David Mark.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, issued a statement addressing what he described as a false and misleading narrative circulating in the media.
“The attention of the ADC has been drawn to a story alleging that INEC refused to recognize the new leadership of our party under the Distinguished Senator David Mark,” Abdullahi said. “This story is entirely false and should be disregarded.
“We urge Nigerians to ignore such misleading reports and instead remain focused on the urgent task of mobilizing the long-suffering citizens of this country to rescue our democracy”, the statement added.
The controversy stems from internal tensions within the party, particularly in Kogi State, where two state chairmen reportedly called on INEC to reject the Mark-led coalition, claiming the former Senate President and his allies took over the party without due process.
Meanwhile, a prominent ADC chieftain and member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Leke Abejide, has strongly opposed any coalition arrangements. Representing Yagba Federal Constituency, Abejide said he would not allow “people from nowhere” to hijack a party he has worked to build over the years.
Abejide made the remarks in Lokoja while reacting to news of his alleged suspension, alongside four others, by a faction of the ADC in Kogi State led by Kingsley Ogga, who claims to be the state chairman.
According to Abejide, Ogga lacks the legitimacy to hold any leadership role in the party, having been expelled since 2022. “Ogga has no right to parade himself as the state chairman. His expulsion stands, and he is no longer recognized by the party,” he insisted.
He also criticized a recent ADC meeting reportedly held at the residence of former Senator Tunde Ogbeha, where Ogbeha was named as the party’s leader in the state.
“I am the national leader of this party and have financed it for over eight years,” Abejide said. “According to our constitution, no member can hold a position without at least two years of membership, unless granted a waiver by the National Executive Committee (NEC), which has not convened for such a purpose.”
Describing the Kogi faction’s actions as a “kangaroo meeting,” Abejide vowed to take legal action.
