A fresh crisis on Tuesday engulfed the African Democratic Congress as a faction within the party issued a strongly worded rebuttal to Bolaji Abdullahi, rejecting his claims to the position of National Publicity Secretary and accusing him of attempting a “failed takeover.”

In a statement signed by Christopher Okechuku, who identified himself as Director of Media and Public Affairs of the “authentic ADC,” the group described Abdullahi’s recent remarks as “a bundle of falsehoods” and “a confession of a failed conspiracy.”

Okechuku questioned Abdullahi’s legitimacy within the party, challenging him to clarify his membership status.

“You ask Nigerians to take you seriously as a spokesman for the ADC, yet you cannot honestly answer a simple question: when did you officially register as a member of this party?” he said.

“The ADC was built by genuine progressives, not political mercenaries who arrive when they smell opportunity.”

The statement also dismissed claims allegedly made by Abdullahi that Bola Tinubu was plotting to impose leadership on the party, describing the assertion as baseless.

“If President Tinubu is supporting the restoration of constitutional order within the party, then it simply shows respect for the rule of law,” Okechuku stated.

“Your attempt to drag the presidency into your internal crisis is a cheap ploy to play the victim.”

The faction further accused Abdullahi and his associates of undermining the party’s constitution in pursuit of power, insisting that due process must be followed in any leadership transition.

“The ADC Constitution does not provide for a takeover by a cabal of newcomers. Your actions expose a clear ignorance of the rules governing the party,” the statement added.

Okechuku also alleged that some state party chairmen who initially aligned with Abdullahi had been abandoned after being used to advance what he described as an illegitimate agenda.

“You lured some state chairmen with promises, only to dump them without compensation. Their roles have now been taken over by new collaborators, many of whom are not even legitimate members,” he claimed.

The statement further criticised the composition of Abdullahi’s alleged camp, accusing it of being populated by politicians with questionable records.

“The ADC is not a dumping ground for disgraced politicians seeking image rehabilitation. We reject this alliance of individuals with a history of plunder,” Okechuku said.

Reaffirming the position of his faction, Okechuku maintained that the party’s structure remains intact under what he described as its legitimate leadership.

“Your attempt to hijack the ADC has failed because it was built on lies, constitutional breaches and greed.

“The ADC is not for sale, nor is it for rent to political jobbers,” he concluded.

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Damilola Marshal, daughter of Fuji maestro King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, and currently the Senior Special Assistant to Lagos State Governor on Tourism, has announced her intention to contest for the Lagos State House of Assembly.

The lawyer shared her plans in an Instagram post on Tuesday via her handle, expressing her commitment to serve the people of Surulere Constituency 2.

“I am excited to share that I, Barr. Damilola Ayinde Marshal, am stepping forward to serve the good people of Surulere Constituency 2 at the Lagos State House of Assembly,” she wrote.

Damilola, who has practised law for 12 years, said her professional experience has shaped her understanding of governance, justice, and the needs of her community.

“I am a woman of excellence and results. I am ready to serve and lead. With my background, I am fully prepared and ready to fight for what truly matters. I promise to be the voice of the youths in the House.

“As a young woman, I believe this is exactly what my people need right now, and that is why I decided to step forward,” she added.

In her post, she appealed to voters to support competence and progress, signing off with the message: “Youth Lokan!!! Igbega Eko, Ajumose wa ni.”

She is set to replace  Mosunmola Rotimi Sangodara, who currently represents the constituency under the same APC.

Damilola, KWAM1’s second daughter, is a law graduate from North America University, Houdegbe, Cotonou, Benin Republic and was called to the Nigerian bar on December 15, 2015. She was also awarded a Master of Laws from the prestigious University of Lagos in 2022.

PUNCH Online had earlier reported that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu appointed Damilola as his Senior Special Assistant on Tourism in May 3, 2024.

The appointment was confirmed in a viral video showing KWAM1 publicly thanking the governor during the coronation and birthday reception of Oba Sikirullah Apena, noting that it was his daughter who asked him to convey the message.

The announcement has attracted attention on social media, with posts from prominent Nigerians, including Davido and Dayo Amusa, applauding her declaration.