ADC Expels Lone Federal Lawmaker: A Sign of Deeper Rifts?

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) recently ousted Hon. Leke Abejide, its only federal lawmaker, following a decision ratified by the National Working Committee (NWC). The party cited indiscipline as the reason, stemming from Abejide’s criticism of the party’s direction and his public support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. While seemingly a straightforward case of party discipline, the situation carries undertones of familiar political struggles playing out in a smaller arena.

The Kogi State Executive Committee initially suspended Abejide and others for alleged anti-party activities and insubordination. This action then triggered a messy counter-claim: a faction backing Abejide insisted the state chairman had already been expelled back in 2022. The NWC stepped in, siding with the initial expulsion. They are now pushing to fill the resulting vacancies and prepare for upcoming congresses, signaling a desire to tighten control.

It’s worth noting that Abejide, even while an ADC member, openly backed Tinubu, echoing a situation reminiscent of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s position within the PDP. This raises questions about the cohesion of political allegiances in Nigeria’s current climate. Is this merely a case of one lawmaker overstepping, or a symptom of broader, more fluid political loyalties?

Looking at this expulsion, a few thoughts surface. The ADC, like many smaller parties, faces a constant battle for relevance. Maintaining a unified front becomes paramount, especially with limited resources and national visibility. Any perceived dissent can be viewed as a threat to the party’s carefully constructed image. That said, silencing dissenting voices can also stifle internal debate and innovation.

The timing also makes one wonder. As Nigeria’s political landscape continues to evolve after the recent elections, parties are reassessing their positions and strategies. The ADC’s move could be interpreted as an attempt to reassert its identity and enforce stricter adherence to its core values, or at least the values espoused by the current leadership.

The party leadership emphasizes discipline, character, and integrity. Of course, most parties highlight similar principles. The real test lies in how these ideals are applied in practice. Does this expulsion genuinely reflect a commitment to these values, or does it reveal a power struggle masked as ethical enforcement? Abejide’s supporters, naturally, would likely argue the latter.

We see similar situations crop up frequently in Nigerian politics: internal disputes escalating into public battles, accusations of anti-party activities, and ultimately, expulsions or defections. It’s a well-worn path. These events often highlight deeper power dynamics and strategic disagreements within parties. All this impacts governance as the public loses faith in the structure and process of democracy.

Political parties function best when they allow members to debate different perspectives. Honest discussions strengthen a party and create good policy that addresses the diverse wants and needs of the people. However, a political party should be able to establish firm, clear rules of conduct. Infractions must have repercussions.

Ultimately, Abejide’s expulsion exposes the challenges faced by smaller parties trying to navigate Nigeria’s complex political environment. It underscores the tension between maintaining party unity and allowing for individual expression. I’ve observed similar patterns throughout my time following Nigerian politics, and it rarely points to a healthy internal environment. The coming months will reveal whether this move strengthens the ADC or further fractures its base. For now, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing power plays shaping Nigeria’s political future. The ADC must make sure its internal actions match the external messaging. Otherwise, the party’s long-term credibility risks being undermined.

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Keywords: ADC expulsion, Leke Abejide, Nigerian politics, party discipline, political rifts, anti-party activities, Kogi politics, Tinubu support