•••As High-Stakes Unveiling Set to Reshape Kogi West Politics
The political atmosphere across Kogi West Senatorial District is thick with anticipation as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) prepares for a major unveiling—an event widely regarded as potentially the final burial of the once-dominant Leke Abijide-led structure. What should have been a routine political ceremony has evolved into a decisive moment for a party seeking to reclaim its identity after months of internal turmoil.
At the heart of the tension is Hon. Leke Abijide, whose influence within ADC has steadily eroded following a cascade of crises that culminated in his expulsion—an expulsion later ratified by the National Working Committee (NWC).
For many political observers, the upcoming unveiling is poised to hammer the last coffin nail on what remains of the Abijide-led faction.
INEC’s Rejection: The First Major Crack
The troubles rocking the Abijide-led ADC leadership did not begin today. The first significant blow was struck when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) formally rejected the EXCO list submitted under his leadership.
This rejection embarrassed the party and ignited fierce debates across wards and local councils in Kogi West. Many party elders questioned the competence, transparency, and internal democratic processes of the Abijide-led team.
The INEC decision laid bare structural weaknesses and gave room for long-suppressed grievances to surface.
Anti-Party Allegations and Final Expulsion
If the INEC rejection shook the Abijide-led EXCO, the subsequent allegations of anti-party activities shattered it. Senior party figures accused Abijide of actions that undermined the ADC during key political contests. These grievances escalated into formal petitions.
After internal investigations, hearings, and cross-examinations at various levels of the party structure, ADC delivered its verdict:
Hon. Leke Abijide was expelled.
The weight of the decision became undeniable when the National Working Committee (NWC)ratified the expulsion—effectively stripping him of institutional legitimacy within the party nationwide.
For many insiders, this decisive move paved the way for a new beginning.
Why the Unveiling Matters Now More Than Ever
Given the leadership vacuum, internal restructuring, and the need for renewed grassroots confidence, the upcoming ADC unveiling is seen as a pivotal moment. It is expected to:
Introduce a reorganized and legally compliant party structure
Present new leadership faces to drive ADC forward
Demonstrate unity after months of internal friction
Communicate a fresh strategic direction to supporters and the general public
The unveiling is also expected to send a strong message to rival parties that ADC is ready to reposition itself as a force ahead of future elections.
Political analysts note that this unveiling serves dual purposes:
healing the old wounds and projecting a new identity.
Growing Speculation Across Kogi West
From Kabba to Lokoja, from Yagba to Koton-Karfe, political discussions are dominated by predictions about what the unveiling will bring. Some anticipate a complete overhaul; others foresee a subtle restructuring aimed at stabilizing the party’s foundation.
The reappearance of several stakeholders—those who distanced themselves following the Abijide controversies—signals that the unveiling could mark a significant internal realignment.
A Coffin Nail—or the Beginning of a New Dawn?
For many political watchers, the series of events—
INEC’s rejection,
anti-party allegations,
expulsion, and
NWC ratification—
represent the collapse of the Abijide era in ADC.
The impending unveiling could be the official closure of that chapter.
However, the event also holds promise: an opportunity for renewal, unity, and creative repositioning. Should the unveiling deliver clarity, structure, and credible leadership, ADC could quickly regain lost ground and re-emerge as a formidable political force across Kogi West.
As the district counts down, one thing is clear:
The unveiling is not just a political routine—
it is a rebirth, a reset, and a reckoning.
– Ahmad Ibrahim writes from Lokoja.
