In a fiery address at a campaign rally held in Kogi State’s Okehi and Adavi Local Government areas, John Adaji, the Chairman of the Action Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kogi State, vehemently refuted recent media reports claiming that he had defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Adaji, amidst a cheering crowd of supporters, declared these reports as utterly false, stressing that the ADC remains steadfast in its commitment to its political course.
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I stand here before you live and direct, that I am the authentic Chairman of the ADC in Kogi State,” Adaji declared, as he addressed the gathering. There can’t be two captains in one ship, and here I am with you and with our governorship candidate, Elder Leke Abejide. I also assure you that the ADC structure is intact.”
Adaji went on to reveal that the individual who claimed to be Chairman and announced his defection to the APC was, in fact, expelled from the ADC due to serious misconduct and anti-party activities. This expulsion was the result of a comprehensive review process that involved the ADC executives at both the ward and local government levels, culminating in the decision of the National Working Committee of the ADC.
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Adaji emphasized that this expulsion had taken place as far back as October of the previous year, rendering any claims by this expelled member as baseless.
Furthermore, Adaji stated that the rumors about his defection were propagated by this expelled member with malicious intent, as he had been suspended by the ADC for embezzlement of funds and actions contrary to the party’s interests.
Adagu Suberu, a former Chairman of Okehi local government and the Director General of the Leke Abejide/Idris Omede Governorship campaign council of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), added more context to the situation. He highlighted that the leadership of ADC in Kogi State is a union of former stalwarts from different political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This collaboration is seen as a response to what is perceived as anti-people policies by the ruling party.
Suberu emphasized that power dynamics had changed in Kogi State, with different regions taking turns to lead. He pointed out the importance of peaceful power transitions and advocated for a governor from Okun to bring about even development in the state.
Leke Abejide, the Governorship Candidate of ADC, also addressed the gathering, promising to address critical issues within the state if elected. He vowed to revisit the civil service screening exercise initiated by the Yahaya Bello administration, with the aim of reabsorbing wrongfully dismissed workers and ensuring the payment of their salary arrears. Abejide also pledged to end the practice of paying meager percentages of salaries to civil servants and extend the provision of free WAEC fees to public schools across Kogi State.
The rally served as a strong statement of unity and determination by the ADC in Kogi State, as they confront challenges and allegations head-on, emphasizing their commitment to the welfare of the people and the development of the state.
