ADC Leadership Clash Erupts in Kogi
The African Democratic Congress in Kogi State witnessed dramatic developments during its expanded executive and stakeholders' meeting held in Lokoja on Saturday. The gathering, which attracted delegates from all 21 local government areas and nine federal constituencies, became the stage for a heated confrontation between Honourable Leke Abejide and Senator Dino Melaye over control of the party's structures in the state.
New Leadership Takes Charge
The congress ratified significant changes to the party's leadership, confirming Chief Sunday Maiyaki as the new State Chairman and Hon Mamman Akpena as State Secretary. These appointments followed a comprehensive review of vacancies created by resignations, deaths, and disengagement of former officials.
The meeting was presided over by Abejide, who currently serves as the party's only elected federal lawmaker. His leadership role came despite recent challenges to his authority within the party structure.
Legal Threats and Counter-accusations
The political drama intensified when Senator Melaye, acting as solicitor for the ADC, issued a formal notice to the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies dated 17 November 2025. The communication, signed on the letterhead of "SDM Law Firm," declared the Lokoja meeting unauthorized and claimed Abejide had been expelled for alleged anti-party activities.
Addressing the congress, Abejide forcefully rejected these claims and launched a scathing attack on Melaye's legal credentials, referring to him as a "feeding-bottle lawyer." He defended his standing within the ADC, stating he had "nurtured the party in Kogi through successive electoral cycles."
"We will resist his shenanigans and prove to him we are more politically savvy than him," Abejide declared before the assembled delegates.
Election Performance Comparisons
The tension between the two politicians dates back to the 2023 governorship election where both men were candidates. Abejide used the platform to contrast their electoral performances, noting that while Melaye claimed support from 13 serving governors, he failed to win a single local government, including his home constituency of Ijumu Local Government.
In contrast, Abejide emphasized his own achievement of winning Yagba East Local Government "despite all odds" and his consistent representation in the House of Representatives since 2017 without decamping to another party.
Warning Against Future Interference
Abejide issued a stern warning against any repetition of what he termed Melaye's "2023 shenanigans" directed against him or "my principal, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu." He characterized himself as respectful but firm, using the vivid metaphor: "If you put your finger in my mouth, I will bite you."
He further questioned Melaye's authority to issue directives on behalf of the party, asserting that "someone elected on a platform of a party has locus standi over those who came in through the window."
Consolidating Party Leadership
Beyond the personal conflicts, the meeting focused on strengthening the party's organizational framework. In his acceptance speech, newly confirmed Chairman Maiyaki described his emergence as "a solemn call to serve, unite, and lead with unwavering integrity." He committed to enhancing organizational structures and expanding participation across wards and local councils.
The congress also formalized the expulsion of Kingsley Ogga as state chairman. A letter dated 1 November 2024, signed by stakeholders in Odo-Ara/Omi/Ogga Ward, was read aloud detailing the grounds for Ogga's removal.
Cultural Unity and Political Resolutions
The event featured cultural performances from Okun, Igala, and Ebira communities, symbolizing the party's efforts to project broad-based support across Kogi's diverse ethnic landscape. This cultural display accompanied substantive political decisions that could shape the party's future direction.
Stakeholders concluded the congress with significant resolutions, including a declaration of support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's second-term bid in 2027 and endorsement of Abejide's return to the House of Representatives. Participants described these decisions as foundational for renewed cooperation within the Kogi ADC.
The expanded meeting and its outcomes represent a critical juncture for the African Democratic Congress in Kogi State as it navigates internal leadership challenges while positioning itself for future electoral contests.
