A member of the House of Representatives, Leke Abejide, has resigned from the African Democratic Congress, citing internal crisis and alleged takeover of the party by “political hijackers.”

Abejide, who represents Yagba federal constituency in Kogi State, announced his resignation at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, describing the decision as difficult but necessary to protect his political future.

He accused some individuals of taking control of the party with intentions that undermine its growth and stability.

“It is a painful decision but necessary to save my political future from those who came to destroy my former political party that I laboured hard to nurture and love dearly,” he said.

The lawmaker, who chairs the House Committee on Customs, revealed that he had filed a lawsuit in August 2025 challenging the leadership of the party. However, he said repeated delays in court proceedings, allegedly caused by opposing counsel, stalled the case.

According to him, his legal team advised him to seek an alternative political platform due to the protracted legal battle and uncertainties surrounding the party’s leadership.

Abejide also claimed that the ADC currently lacks properly recognised national officers required to validate nomination processes for electoral candidates.

He alleged that the party had been taken over by politicians who had failed in other parties and were now disrupting its structure.

“I funded the party structure as the national leader when it was unpopular and helped build it into a known platform,” he said, adding that he had now formally exited the party in line with its constitutional provisions.

The lawmaker dismissed claims that he intended to destabilise the party, insisting that those he described as “hijackers” were responsible for internal divisions and arbitrary expulsions.

Abejide also referenced a viral video involving Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President, clarifying that he was advised to remain in the party and contest his re-election, not to undermine it.

The ADC has been embroiled in a leadership tussle, with factions led by former Senate President David Mark and Bala Nafiu laying claim to control of the party.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court recently directed Mark’s faction to return to the Federal High Court for the resolution of issues arising from the leadership dispute.