Abejide: By-elections show ADC coalition weak without my backing

A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Leke Abejide, has described the outcome of the just concluded by-elections as reflection of the capability of the coalition led-African Democratic Party (ADC).

Mr Mohammed Bashiru, the Special Adviser on Public Communications to Abejide, member representing Yagba Federal Constituency, Kogi, stated this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

Bashiru said the results of the by-elections was not just a crucial test of the coalition acceptability, but its popularity to rescue power at the centre in 2027 general election without a collaborative efforts of Ajibade, the national leader of the party.

“The by-elections, which was conducted on Saturday Aug. 16 was not only a litmus test, but has shown the coalition frontiers and crusaders inability, lack of political will and blueprint as well as support base to cruising to victory in 2027 without Abejide’s influence,” he said.

Bashiru recalled that Abejide, a serving two-term federal lawmaker and highest-ranking member of the ADC National Executive Council (NEC) had repeated called for the adoption of President Bola Tinubu, ahead of the 2027 election.

He said that Ajibade’s call followed the ADC unpreparedness, lack of buoyancy and fitness level to winning presidential election at the moment.

Bashiru said while the lawmaker’s statement of fact had generated some mixed reactions, it was validated by the just concluded by-elections.

He said that Abejide was not only the national leader of the ADC, but a strong support system and a lover of growth for the party.

He, however, said that Abejide has envisaged and projected the benefits of unanimously rallying round the endorsement of President Bola, as it will build the party’s structure and visibility to fielding a presidential candidate in 2031.

“The outcome of the by-elections which was closely watched by political analysts, party loyalists, and voters alike, provided valuable insights into the party’s strength and popularity without Abejide’s identification.

“The coalition will need to demonstrate abilities to mobilising support, producing articulate and compelling messages towards drumming support for President Bola’s re-election, to boasting the party’s 2031 chances, Bashiru added”.

(NAN)