National Leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rt. Hon. Leke Abejide, has formally announced his exit from the party, citing prolonged internal crises and legal uncertainties within the opposition.

At a press conference held in Abuja on Friday, Abejide described his decision as “painful but necessary,” stressing that it was driven by the need to safeguard his political future and continue delivering democratic dividends to his constituents.

Abejide who represents Yagba Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives recalled that the crisis within the ADC dates back to August 2025, when he instituted a legal action against key party figures, including former Senate President David Mark, former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, and others, over what he described as the unlawful hijack of the party’s structure.

According to him, despite securing an accelerated hearing from the Federal High Court, the case suffered repeated delays due to what he termed “deliberate tactics” by the defendants, who allegedly introduced multiple parties into the suit to stall proceedings.

He said the prolonged legal tussle created uncertainty around the party’s leadership, particularly the legitimacy of its national officers, a development he noted could jeopardize his chances of securing a valid nomination ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Abejide added that his legal team subsequently advised him to consider an alternative political platform, warning that the leadership vacuum in the ADC could invalidate his candidacy.

The lawmaker, who said he had invested significant resources in building the ADC into a nationally recognized platform since 2019, expressed disappointment that the party had been overtaken by individuals he accused of lacking the capacity to manage its affairs.

He maintained that his exit from the ADC was voluntary and in line with constitutional provisions, dismissing claims that he was expelled by the party leadership.

Abejide also addressed a viral video involving the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, clarifying that remarks attributed to him were made in a light-hearted context and had been misinterpreted.

He affirmed his new political alignment with the “progressive bloc,” noting that his decision followed extensive consultations with political leaders and constituents in Yagba Federal Constituency.

While not explicitly naming his new party, Abejide pledged continued support for the policies and agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressing confidence that his new platform would better position him to pursue his political ambitions and serve his people.

He thanked his supporters for their loyalty and resilience, assuring them of his commitment to building a stronger political structure capable of delivering sustainable development.

The development marks a significant shift in the political landscape of Yagba Federal Constituency ahead of the 2027 general elections.