A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kogi State has publicly declared its full support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027. This significant endorsement took place during a decisive meeting.

At the same gathering, the faction also ratified new state executives. This move aims to steer the party’s affairs in Kogi amid ongoing internal disputes.

Endorsing President Tinubu for 2027

Hon. Leke Abejide, who represents Yagba Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, moved the motion. He urged party members to “stand firmly with President Tinubu.”

Abejide recalled the faction’s unanimous backing of the APC candidate in the 2023 elections. Subsequently, stakeholders again adopted Tinubu as their preferred choice for 2027.

Speakers at the meeting pledged to deliver their polling units. They committed to securing votes for both President Tinubu and Hon. Abejide.

Ratifying New Leadership Amidst Factional Tussle

The meeting drew representatives from all nine federal constituencies. Its primary purpose was to fill vacancies within the party structure. These arose from resignations, deaths, and alleged dereliction of duty by former officials.

Led by Hon. Abejide, who also serves on the ADC National Executive Committee, the gathering sought to reclaim the party’s structure. This effort comes amidst an ongoing battle between rival factions.

While one faction maintains Kingsley Ogah as the state chairman, stakeholders at Saturday’s meeting strongly rejected his leadership claim.

Speakers from all nine constituencies took turns to reaffirm Ogah’s expulsion. They described him as “a self-acclaimed leader of an illegal coalition.” This group was allegedly working against the party’s interest.

Among those who spoke were Otunba Duro Aseremaseka (Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu) and Pastor Joseph Asalu (Yagba). Other notable speakers included Hon. Bakabe Farouk (Lokoja/Koto), Hon. Joshua Adejo (Igalamela/Odolu/Ofu), Hon. Yunusa Tair (Ankpa), Mallam Hussein Saha Adam (Okehi), and Hon. Sunday Oseje (Dekina/Bassa).

They all unanimously declared that Ogah no longer holds any legitimate position within the ADC. Aku, representing Dr. Omede Idris, conveyed the unwavering support of the Kogi East bloc for Abejide’s leadership, further solidifying the faction’s position.

A letter dated November 1, 2024, was openly read. It detailed Ogah’s alleged offenses and reiterated his expulsion. This letter came from ADC stakeholders in Odo-Ara/Omi/Ogga Ward of Yagba West.

Following this, chairmen and women from state, local government, and ward levels collectively ratified the newly nominated executives.

The affirmations were followed by colourful cultural performances. Okun, Igala, and Ebira groups showcased their heritage, symbolising unity behind the Abejide-led camp.

Abejide Addresses Leadership Dispute and Future Plans

Speaking on the leadership dispute, Hon. Abejide blamed the current crisis on the alleged actions of former National Chairman, Chief Ralph Nwosu. He accused Nwosu of “handing over the party to outsiders,” in violation of Article 9(4) of the ADC Constitution.

Abejide dismissed claims of his expulsion, which were allegedly signed by Senator Dino Melaye. He called the allegation “desperate, baseless, and a blatant misinformation.”

He asserted that “No amount of impunity imported from external forces will be allowed to destabilize the ADC in Kogi State.”

Abejide explained that he personally sponsored the congress that produced Kingsley Temitope Ogah and John Adaji. However, their alleged misconduct later necessitated their expulsion.

He insisted that the party could not afford leadership gaps. Credible replacements were immediately announced.

The lawmaker also revealed that several court cases against the “illegal national leadership” were ongoing. He expressed confidence that the faction would reclaim the party’s national secretariat and conduct a proper national convention once these cases are resolved.

Focus on Local Government Elections and Poverty Eradication

Shifting focus to political mobilisation, Abejide urged party members to prepare for next year’s local government elections. These are slated for October. He affirmed that the ADC would sponsor candidates across the state.

He further promised to expand his interest-free loan scheme. Currently active in Yagba Federal Constituency, it will reach Lokoja/Koto, Kogi Central, and Kogi East. Abejide described this initiative as part of his contribution to poverty eradication.

Abejide also applauded Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his achievements. He called him “a leader steadily transforming Kogi State.”

New State Executives Emerge

The congress announced Hon. Mamman Akpena as the new State Secretary of the ADC. Concurrently, Hon. (Chief) Sunday Maiyaki emerged as State Chairman, receiving widespread acceptance.

In his emotional acceptance speech, Maiyaki hailed Abejide. He described him as “the indefatigable and indisputable landlord of the ADC.” Maiyaki pledged to lead with transparency and inclusiveness, strengthening the party from the grassroots.

He also vowed full support for the re-election of both Abejide and President Tinubu in 2027. The newly ratified executives collectively pledged a sweeping victory for both leaders in the upcoming general elections.