ADC Faction Launches Scathing Attack on Bolaji Abdullahi Over Alleged Leadership Hijack Plot
A significant faction within the African Democratic Congress has unleashed a blistering condemnation against former minister Bolaji Abdullahi, accusing him of disseminating false information and masterminding an unlawful attempt to seize control of the party's leadership apparatus. The faction has characterized Abdullahi's recent public statements as "a confession of a failed conspiracy" and has vehemently challenged his legitimacy to represent the party in any official capacity.
Questioning Membership and Alleging Hostile Takeover
In a strongly worded statement released on Tuesday, Christopher Okechiku, who serves as the Director of Media and Public Affairs for the ADC faction, launched a direct assault on Abdullahi's standing within the party. Okechiku raised serious questions about Abdullahi's membership status, alleging that the former minister "cannot honestly answer a simple question: When did you officially register as a member of this party?"
The statement went further to accuse Abdullahi of collaborating with other individuals to orchestrate what it described as a "hostile takeover" of the party's leadership structure. "You and your co-adventurers drew up a blueprint for a hostile takeover," Okechiku asserted, emphasizing that the ADC was established through the dedicated efforts of genuine progressives rather than political opportunists seeking quick advantages.
Dismissing Presidential Anointment Claims
The faction also took aim at Abdullahi's suggestion that President Bola Tinubu was involved in a plot to anoint Honorable Bala Nafiu as National Chairman of the party. Okechiku dismissed this narrative as "a ridiculous tale" and argued that any presidential support for constitutional processes within the party should be interpreted as respect for democratic principles rather than interference.
"If President Tinubu is supporting Honorable Gombe to reclaim his legitimate seat, a seat that is rightfully his under the ADC Constitution, then it simply confirms that the President respects the rule of law," Okechiku stated. He accused Abdullahi of attempting to "drag the presidency into your internal mess" as a tactical maneuver to portray himself as a victim of political machinations.
Constitutional Violations and Abandoned Allies
Okechiku contended that the ADC's constitution clearly outlines proper succession procedures and does not accommodate what he characterized as unlawful power grabs by recent party entrants. He further alleged that state party chairmen who initially aligned themselves with Abdullahi's camp had been discarded after serving their purpose in advancing what he called an illegitimate agenda.
"They have been dumped like refuse. They have been abandoned without any compensation," Okechiku declared, adding that their responsibilities had been redistributed to new collaborators who themselves lacked legitimate party membership. "This is the hallmark of your movement: you use people, squeeze them dry, and toss them aside when they are no longer useful."
Rejecting "Alliance of Thieves"
The statement delivered particularly harsh criticism regarding the political company Abdullahi keeps, describing his associates as "a motley crew of politicians who are alleged to have squandered our national treasure." Okechiku accused these individuals of contributing to public treasury looting and now seeking to use the ADC as a platform for political rehabilitation.
"The ADC is not a recovery home for disgraced politicians. We reject this alliance of thieves," he proclaimed. "We will not allow our party to become a dumping ground for those who have nothing to offer but a history of plunder and a hunger for power."
Final Warning and Party Solidarity
Okechiku concluded that Abdullahi's attempt to hijack the ADC had ultimately failed because it was "built on a foundation of lies, constitutional breaches, and greed." He asserted that the party's structure remains robust under its legitimate leadership and issued a stern warning to Abdullahi and his associates.
"We advise you and your co-travellers to retrace your steps, or better still, go and build your own party from scratch," Okechiku stated. "The ADC is not for sale, and it is certainly not for rent to political jobbers." The statement represents one of the most forceful public rebukes in recent Nigerian political history, highlighting deepening internal divisions within the opposition party.
