Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, has drawn attention after advising a suspended African Democratic Congress (ADC) lawmaker, Leke Abejide, to remain in the opposition party.
The comment came in Abuja over the weekend during Abejide’s wedding anniversary gathering, where senior political figures were present.
Gbajabiamila told the lawmaker to resist calls to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC), instead encouraging him to stay in ADC and remain active in its internal struggles.
The remarks have since circulated widely in political circles and online discussions.
Meanwhile, the ADC is already facing internal leadership disputes involving rival factions and court battles over control of the party structure.
Gbajabiamila’s Statement Sparks Political Debate
At the Abuja event, Gbajabiamila directly addressed Abejide, describing him as a committed party man who should remain within ADC despite its ongoing crisis.
“I know you to be a committed party man… stay in that same ADC, fight them, scatter them,” he said.
He also advised Abejide against joining APC, despite reported pressure from former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello.
“No, stay in ADC, win your re-election in ADC,” he added.
Gbajabiamila further referenced Nafiu Bala, a figure involved in the ADC leadership dispute currently before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The Chief of Staff suggested cooperation within the factional structure while legal matters continue in court.
ADC Leadership Crisis Deepens Ahead of 2027
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is currently split between rival leadership camps, including the main group headed by former Senate President, David Mark and another by one, Nafiu Bala Gombe.
The dispute has created confusion within the party, especially as opposition coalitions prepare strategies for the 2027 general elections.
Abejide, who represents Yagba federal constituency in Kogi State, has also faced criticism over alleged divided political loyalty.
He has publicly said his political interest spans both ADC and APC.
“My heart is in the APC, and in the ADC. It is not a crime,” he said during a televised interview on Channels Television.
His comments continue to fuel debate over party loyalty and coalition politics.
INEC Protest and Internal Party Struggle
Tensions escalated further when Abejide and Nafiu Bala led a protest to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Abuja.
They asked INEC to reject the David Mark-led faction and recognise their camp as the legitimate leadership of ADC.
Abejide argued that party rules were being violated in the struggle for control.
“These people are hijackers, and INEC must follow through on reverting to status quo ante bellum,” he said.
Bala also called for due process in resolving the crisis and warned against external interference.
The situation has left many ADC members uncertain about the party’s direction ahead of the next election cycle.
Gbajabiamila’s comments come at a time when opposition groups are attempting to form alliances ahead of 2027.
The ADC is reportedly part of wider coalition discussions involving multiple political blocs.
However, internal disagreements and legal disputes have slowed the once-rising political momentum of the opposition party.
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