The Kogi State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has affirmed that Hon. Leke Abejide, the representative for Yagba Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, remains a legitimate and active member of the party, stating that he has committed no offense that would justify a suspension.
The Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kogi State, Mr. John Adaji, has firmly rejected and discredited the reported suspension of Hon. Leke Abejide, who currently represents Yagba Federal Constituency in the National Assembly. According to Adaji, the suspension is baseless, illegitimate, and in violation of the party’s constitution and internal disciplinary procedures.
Leke Abejide’s Statement
Mr. Leke Abejide issued a public clarification on Saturday in Lokoja, following widespread circulation of a statement earlier on Friday which claimed that he had authorized and signed off on Abejide’s suspension. The statement, attributed to Adaji, accused the federal lawmaker of engaging in anti-party conduct and gross insubordination. It further alleged that Abejide convened a meeting with certain party members in Abuja without obtaining prior approval from the Kogi State leadership of the ADC.
The controversial statement reportedly read: “The Kogi State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has suspended one of our representatives in the National Assembly—Honourable Leke Abejide—who serves the Yagba East-West/Mopamuro Federal Constituency. His actions, including unauthorized meetings with party members in the Federal Capital Territory, were considered as insubordination and activities contrary to the interests of the party.”
However, in a swift rebuttal issued less than 24 hours later, Adaji categorically denied any involvement in the issuance or signing of the suspension letter. He expressed surprise and concern over the use of his name in connection with a decision he insisted was never discussed, approved, or even tabled before the appropriate party organs.
“My attention was recently drawn to a circulating statement purporting the suspension of Hon. Leke Abejide from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), supposedly under my authorization and bearing my signature,” Adaji stated. “I want to make it absolutely clear that such a decision was never taken, and I never signed any letter to that effect. The entire process as claimed is fraudulent, procedurally incorrect, and has no basis in the constitution of our great party.”
Leke Abejide Highlights certain valid Procedures
Leke Abejide went on to explain that for any disciplinary action—especially one as serious as a suspension—to be valid within the ADC, it must follow due process as outlined in the party’s constitution. He emphasized that such measures must begin at the grassroots level, specifically the ward level, and then proceed to the local government structure before finally being reviewed and possibly ratified by the State Working Committee (SWC).
“In accordance with the laid down rules and procedures of our party, any disciplinary measure such as a suspension must originate from the member’s Ward Executive Committee,” he explained. “If found guilty of wrongdoing at that level, the matter may then escalate to the Local Government leadership before finally reaching the State Working Committee. It is therefore completely irregular and unconstitutional for the SWC to unilaterally suspend a member without input or recommendation from the relevant lower structures.”
He further condemned the unauthorized use of his name in the suspension notice, describing the act as reckless, misleading, and capable of causing unnecessary confusion and division within the party. He called on those behind the move to cease their actions and abide by the party’s constitution to preserve unity and discipline.
“I strongly denounce the fictitious suspension and disassociate myself entirely from it. I also warn those responsible to desist from such dangerous political antics. What the party needs at this time is unity, not divisive and unauthorized actions that can undermine our stability,” he said.
Adaji concluded by urging all party leaders, stakeholders, loyal members, and supporters of the ADC in Kogi State and across Nigeria to completely disregard the false claims of Abejide’s suspension. He reaffirmed the party’s commitment to internal democracy, transparency, and adherence to due process.
