10 Things to Know About Abejide, the ADC Factional Chairman Who Decamped to APC

In Nigerian politics, when the house catches fire, the smartest players do not wait for the water. They look for the nearest exit.

Leke Abejide recently made headlines by dumping the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). His exit came barely 48 hours after Peter Obi walked out of the party.

As the Daily Times continues to track this massive political shift, here are ten core facts you need to understand about the man at the centre of the ADC crisis.

He Represents Yagba Federal Constituency

Leke Abejide is a two-term lawmaker in the House of Representatives. He represents the Yagba East/Yagba West/Mopamuro Federal Constituency in Kogi State.

He Was the ADC’s Lone Star

Before the recent crisis, Abejide stood as the only serving federal lawmaker elected on the ADC platform after the 2023 elections.

A Solid Background in Business

Before entering politics, he built a strong career in shipping, logistics, and cross-border business in Kano. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Ahmadu Bello University.

He Paid WAEC Fees for an Entire Constituency

Leke Abejide built massive grassroots goodwill in 2018 by footing the SSCE bills for all students in government-owned secondary schools across his Yagba catchment area.

He Chaired a Powerful Committee

Despite being a newcomer from a minor opposition party, he rose quickly in the parliament and was confirmed as the Chairman of the House Committee on Customs and Excise in 2021.

He Ran for Kogi Governor

In 2023, he threw his hat into the ring and contested the Kogi State gubernatorial election under the ADC. He ultimately lost the race to the APC candidate, Ahmed Usman Ododo.

He Led a Major Party Faction

The ADC recently fell into a deep factional crisis. Abejide fought a bitter legal war against party heavyweights,