Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, has stirred political reactions after openly urging a member of the House of Representatives, Leke Abejide, to remain in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) rather than defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Gbajabiamila made the remark during a birthday event organised in honour of Abejide, where he praised the lawmaker’s role in the ongoing internal crisis within the ADC.
According to him, the APC is satisfied with the current situation in the opposition party and would prefer Abejide to remain and continue his activities there.
“Don’t come to APC. Stay in ADC and scatter them. We like what you’re doing,” Gbajabiamila said, while also dismissing previous calls by Yahaya Bello urging Abejide to join the ruling party.
The Chief of Staff further encouraged Abejide to remain politically active within the ADC and expressed support for figures associated with the faction led by Nafiu Bala.
The development comes amid a deepening leadership crisis within the ADC, with rival factions laying claim to the party’s structure and legitimacy.
In a related development, Bala alleged that he was misled into attending a key party event organised by former national chairman Ralph Nwosu. He claimed he had initially believed the gathering was a routine event to receive new members, only to later discover it was being used to unveil a new leadership structure.
According to Bala, the event marked a turning point in the party’s internal dispute, particularly with the emergence of David Mark in a leadership role; an outcome that has continued to generate controversy within the party.
The unfolding developments highlight escalating tensions within the ADC as it grapples with internal divisions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
