In what appears to be a strategic twist in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape, Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has stirred fresh controversy with remarks directed at Leke Abejide, the lawmaker representing Yagba Federal Constituency under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Speaking publicly at Abejide’s wedding anniversary celebration in Abuja, Gbajabiamila urged the ADC lawmaker to remain within his current party and actively challenge internal structures, rather than defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). His remarks have since ignited widespread debate about loyalty, political strategy, and the future of opposition coalitions in Nigeria.
“I know you to be a committed party man,” Gbajabiamila stated, reinforcing Abejide’s political credibility. He continued by advising him to “stay in that same ADC, fight them, scatter them,” suggesting a more confrontational approach to internal party dynamics. The statement, delivered in a celebratory yet politically charged setting, has been interpreted by analysts as a calculated move aimed at weakening the ADC from within.
Gbajabiamila also dismissed prior calls by former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello, who had reportedly encouraged Abejide to join the APC. Instead, he insisted that the lawmaker should retain his position in the ADC, secure re-election under its platform, and continue building influence. “A party you built with your sweat and your money should not be taken away from you,” he emphasized, highlighting the personal investment many politicians have in their political platforms.
The ADC, which has recently been linked to a broader coalition effort reportedly associated with former Senate President David Mark, is increasingly being viewed as a potential opposition force ahead of the 2027 general elections. Gbajabiamila’s comments, therefore, carry significant weight, as they hint at internal fractures that could undermine the coalition’s cohesion.
Meanwhile, Abejide himself has maintained a complex political stance that reflects the fluidity of Nigeria’s party system. In a recent appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, the lawmaker openly declared his dual allegiance, stating that his “heart is in both APC and ADC.” While such a position might appear contradictory, Abejide defended it as a reflection of personal relationships and long-standing political ties that transcend party lines.
Notably, Abejide reaffirmed his unwavering support for President Tinubu’s anticipated re-election bid in 2027. “Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, and it’s not about party,” he said, underscoring a loyalty that prioritizes individual leadership over party affiliation. This declaration has further fueled criticism from political observers and party loyalists, many of whom view his stance as a breach of party discipline.
Indeed, Abejide has faced mounting backlash over alleged anti-party activities, a recurring issue in Nigeria’s political environment where cross-party alliances and personal loyalties often blur ideological boundaries. Such dynamics have historically weakened party structures, making them vulnerable to internal manipulation and external influence.
Political analysts suggest that Gbajabiamila’s remarks may reflect a broader strategy by the APC to maintain dominance by subtly destabilizing opposition parties rather than relying solely on defections. If this interpretation holds, the ADC could face significant internal challenges as it attempts to consolidate its position as a credible alternative ahead of the next election cycle.
As Nigeria gradually shifts its focus toward 2027, this development underscores the intricate power plays shaping the nation’s democracy. The intersection of loyalty, ambition, and strategy continues to define the political arena, leaving voters to navigate an increasingly complex landscape.
For now, all eyes remain on Abejide and the ADC—whether they will withstand internal pressures or succumb to the growing influence of external political forces may ultimately determine the balance of power in the years to come.
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