Abejide Not ‘Landlord’ of ADC, Played No Role in Party’s Formation says Maiyegun

By Iyojo Ameh

Chief Dare Olatunde Maiyegun, pioneer Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kogi State, has dismissed claims by Rep.

In an exclusive interview with newsmen, Maiyegun said the ADC’s entry into Kogi was the result of negotiations by a group of political figures long before Abejide joined its ranks.

“How did you become the landlord of a party you did not know how it was formed?” Maiyegun asked. “When we brought the ADC to Kogi under then National Chairman, Chief Ralph Nwosu, Hon. Leke was busy doing his business in Kano. He was not part of the first, second or third meetings that finalised our adoption of the party.”

According to him, the initial push for the ADC in Kogi involved politicians such as Comrade Isah Daniel, Hon. Kashim Mabo, and Hon. Positive Idoko, among others.

Maiyegun said Abejide only came into the picture after the groundwork had been completed.
“I was the one who took him to Chief Nwosu. The former chairman is alive and can confirm who brought Leke to him,” he stated.

On perceptions that Abejide’s financial support sustained the ADC in Kogi, Maiyegun acknowledged the lawmaker’s contributions during his campaigns but argued that this did not make him the owner of the party.

“If you are contesting an election, you are expected to fund your campaign. That does not make you the national leader of the party. Others have won elections under ADC in Ogun and Ondo States in 2019, contrary to his claim that no one else has done so,” he said.

Maiyegun also faulted Abejide’s bid for a third term in the House of Representatives, describing it as “dead on arrival” due to an existing rotational arrangement in Yagba Federal Constituency.

He explained that the power-sharing formula, in place since 1999, ensures fairness among Mopamuro, Yagba East, and Yagba West Local Government Areas.

“By the end of his tenure in 2027, Yagba East would have had its full eight years. It will be the turn of Mopamuro to also serve eight years so that all three LGAs will have had 12 years each in fairness and equity,” Maiyegun said.

He accused the lawmaker of reneging on an agreement with Mopamuro leaders in 2023, when they supported his re-election on the understanding that the next term would rotate to their area.

Maiyegun further questioned Abejide’s consistency, noting that despite criticising others for anti-party activities, the lawmaker has publicly declared his intention to support another party’s candidate in future elections.

“As an elder in the church, he should live by the same principles he preaches. An agreement is an agreement, whether convenient or not,” Maiyegun added.