A fresh controversy has emerged within Nigeria’s political space after Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to Bola Tinubu, was seen in a viral video advising a lawmaker of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to remain in the party and confront internal rivals amid an ongoing leadership crisis.
In the footage, Gbajabiamila urged Leke Abejide not to defect despite mounting tensions within the opposition party. Instead, he encouraged him to retain his position and challenge opposing factions from within.
According to the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abejide should “stay in ADC, fight, and hold on to the structure,” emphasizing that the lawmaker had invested significantly in building the party. Gbajabiamila also dismissed calls for Abejide to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting he could still win elections under the ADC platform.
The remarks come at a time when the ADC is grappling with internal divisions. A faction reportedly led by David Mark has moved to expel Abejide and another member, Nafiu Bala. Both politicians are currently contesting the decision through legal channels and with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Gbajabiamila further encouraged Abejide to pursue the matter in court, reinforcing his stance that the lawmaker should not relinquish control of the party structure.
The video has since triggered mixed reactions across social media platforms. Critics argue that the comments suggest undue interference by the ruling party in opposition affairs, raising concerns about political fairness ahead of the 2027 general elections. Others, however, interpret the move as a calculated political strategy aimed at maintaining influence within rival parties.
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As legal battles and internal disagreements continue to unfold, the ADC’s leadership crisis appears far from over, with its outcome likely to shape alignments ahead of Nigeria’s next electoral cycle.
