ADC accuses Abdullahi of plot to seize party leadership

A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused former Minister Bolaji Abdullahi of spreading misinformation and attempting to unlawfully take control of the party’s leadership.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the faction described Abdullahi’s recent remarks as evidence of a failed plot, insisting he does not have the authority to speak on behalf of the party.

The faction’s Director of Media and Public Affairs, Christopher Okechiku, questioned Abdullahi’s membership status, alleging that he has not clearly stated when he formally joined the party. Okechiku also accused him of working with others to stage what he called a “hostile takeover” of the ADC.

According to Okechiku, the ADC was established by committed progressives and should not be taken over by individuals seeking political advantage.

He also dismissed Abdullahi’s claim that President Bola Tinubu was planning to impose Hon. Bala Nafiu as the party’s National Chairman. Okechiku argued that any support for Hon. Gombe to reclaim his position would only reflect respect for the party’s constitution and the rule of law.

The faction stressed that internal democracy requires strict adherence to party rules, noting that the ADC constitution clearly outlines procedures for leadership succession and does not support what it described as an unlawful attempt to assume control of the party.

Okechiku further alleged that some state chairmen who initially supported Abdullahi’s group have since been sidelined after being used to advance what he called an illegitimate agenda.

He also criticised Abdullahi’s associates, claiming that some of them had previously been linked to mismanagement of public funds and were attempting to use the ADC to rebuild their political reputations.

Reaffirming the faction’s stance, Okechiku said the alleged attempt to take over the party had failed, adding that the ADC’s structure remains intact under what he described as its legitimate leadership. He advised Abdullahi and his allies to abandon the effort or consider forming their own political platform instead.