By Abubakar Yunusa
A faction of the African Democratic Congress has accused a former minister, Bolaji Abdullahi, of spreading falsehoods and attempting to unlawfully hijack the party’s leadership structure.
The group, which described itself as the authentic leadership of the ADC, made the allegation in a statement issued by its Director of Media and Public Affairs, Christopher Okechiku.
Okechiku said Abdullahi’s recent comments amounted to “a confession of a failed conspiracy,” insisting that the former minister lacked the legitimacy to speak on behalf of the party.
He questioned Abdullahi’s membership status, alleging that he had failed to clearly state when he formally joined the ADC.
“The recent outburst from Mr. Bolaji Abdullahi, who curiously labels himself the National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, is not just a bundle of falsehoods; it is a confession of a failed conspiracy,” Okechiku said.
“While he is entitled to his opinion, he is not entitled to his own facts. Nigerians deserve to know the truth about those who see political parties as ripe for plunder.”
The faction further accused Abdullahi of aligning with others to orchestrate what it described as a “hostile takeover” of the party.
It also dismissed claims allegedly made by Abdullahi that President Bola Tinubu was plotting to anoint a National Chairman for the party, describing the assertion as baseless and misleading.
“Your attempt to drag the presidency into your internal mess is a cheap ploy to play the victim, but Nigerians are not fooled,” Okechiku added.
The group maintained that the ADC constitution clearly outlines succession procedures and does not support any unlawful takeover by new entrants into the party.
It also alleged that some state party chairmen who initially aligned with Abdullahi had been abandoned after serving his interests.
“They have been dumped and abandoned without compensation. Their responsibilities have been handed over to new collaborators, many of whom are not even legitimate members of the party,” he claimed.
Okechiku further accused Abdullahi of surrounding himself with politicians with questionable records, warning that the ADC would not become a refuge for “disgraced politicians.”
“The ADC is not a dumping ground for those with a history of plunder. We will not allow our party to be hijacked,” he said.
The faction insisted that the party’s structure remained intact under its legitimate leadership, urging Abdullahi and his allies to either retrace their steps or form a new political platform.
