A member of the House of Representatives representing Yagba Federal Constituency, Hon. Leke Abejide, has pushed back against allegations branding him a “party spoiler,” insisting his political journey reflects loyalty, strategy, and long-term commitment to party development.
Abejide, who recently defected from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), said his decision followed prolonged internal crises within the ADC, including leadership disputes and structural divisions that threatened the party’s stability.
In an interview with ARISE NEWS on Tuesday, the lawmaker described himself as a “party builder,” stressing that he played a key role in sustaining the ADC during difficult periods, including legal challenges over its registration.
“I’m not a political spoiler. I’ve been with the ADC since 2017 and remained committed even when others failed to acknowledge foundational members. I contributed to keeping the party alive at a time it faced de-registration threats,” he said.
He explained that his political movements have been shaped by evolving realities. According to him, he initially belonged to the APC before joining the ADC following disagreements in Kogi State after the death of Prince Abubakar Audu.
Abejide characterized his return to the APC as both strategic and necessary, citing instability in opposition parties. He argued that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is largely inactive, while the Labour Party remains fragmented, leaving the APC as the most viable platform for electoral success.
“It was a difficult decision, but one driven by survival. Legal uncertainties within the ADC could have cost elected officials their seats. My advisers made it clear that staying posed serious risks to my political future,” he explained.
On the issue of “godfatherism,” Abejide described it as an unavoidable feature of Nigerian politics, noting that politicians often rely on experienced figures for guidance. He emphasized that strong leadership is essential for party cohesion and electoral victory.
Turning to his re-election bid, Abejide highlighted his record in constituency development, including education support, welfare programs for widows, and infrastructure projects such as roads, schools, healthcare centers, and ICT facilities.
“I’ve consistently engaged with my constituents and invested in their welfare. From paying WAEC fees for students to supporting over 10,000 widows, my focus has always been on service,” he said.
He also expressed confidence that his return to the APC would boost the party’s chances in Yagba, noting that it had consistently lost the constituency since his departure in 2016.
“Now that I’m back, it strengthens the party’s position. Past elections showed the APC finishing second with significant margins. This presents an opportunity for a turnaround,” he added.
Describing himself as a grassroots politician, Abejide stressed the importance of maintaining close ties with constituents, even in remote or insecure areas, as a cornerstone of effective representation.
He further dismissed claims linking him to internal legal disputes within the APC, attributing the controversies to procedural missteps by the courts rather than political interference.
Commenting on a recent Supreme Court ruling involving APC internal matters, he said the judgment underscored the need for due process, noting that the Court of Appeal had acted prematurely in a case still pending before the Federal High Court.
Overall, Abejide maintained that his political decisions are guided by pragmatism, constituency service, and a commitment to long-term relevance within Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
