April 20, (THEWILL) — A remark by Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has stirred fresh political controversy within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), following comments in which he reportedly urged embattled lawmaker Leke Abejide to remain in the party and “scatter them,” deepening tensions in the opposition party’s ongoing factional leadership crisis.
Gbajabiamila made the statement during Abejide’s birthday ceremony, where he was quoted as saying: “Don’t come to APC. Stay in ADC and scatter them. We like what you’re doing. Don’t mind former governor Yahaya Bello, who said you should join the APC. No, no, no, stay in ADC and win your election. Also, bring Bala Gombe, and we’ll support him. Good luck in court.”
The comments have since generated intense political debate within the ADC and across opposition circles, coming at a time when the party is already grappling with deep internal divisions over leadership legitimacy and competing claims by rival factions.
Though delivered in what appeared to be a jocular tone, the statement has been interpreted by stakeholders within the ADC as a direct validation of the very actions that led to Abejide’s expulsion.
Party insiders argue that the comment reinforces their claims that certain external political forces may be backing efforts to weaken the ADC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The ADC has been grappling with internal divisions, including disputes over its leadership structure and legitimacy, with multiple factions laying claim to the party’s national leadership.
The crisis has culminated in a series of legal battles, with a decisive court ruling expected to determine the authentic leadership of the party.
Abejide, who represents Yagba Federal Constituency in Kogi State, remains a central figure in the dispute.
He and Bala Gombe, are part of a faction earlier accused by the David Mark-led ADC National Working Committee (NWC) of being used by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to destabilise the opposition coalition..
The mention of Bala Gombe in the statement has also drawn attention, given his similar status within the party’s internal dispute. Both men are seen by the ADC leadership as central figures in the factional tensions threatening the party’s cohesion
ADC stakeholders have expressed concern that Gbajabiamila’s statement, regardless of intent, could embolden factional elements and complicate reconciliation efforts within the party.
Some have called for restraint from political actors across party lines, especially as the judiciary prepares to rule on the lingering leadership dispute.
Meanwhile, former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello had earlier advised Abejide to join the APC, a suggestion Gbajabiamila openly dismissed during the event, further highlighting differing strategic perspectives within the ruling party on how to engage opposition figures.
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