By Emmanuel Okogba

The Grassroots Mobilisation Network (GMN), a major support group of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has criticised the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, over his recent comments on developments within the ADC.

In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, the group expressed concern about remarks allegedly made by Gbajabiamila during a reception held in honour of Hon. Leke Abejide’s 20th wedding anniversary and his wife’s 50th birthday.

According to GMN, Gbajabiamila reportedly stated that the federal government would support expelled members Nafiu Bala and Hon. Leke Abejide in their efforts regarding the ADC, including a comment directing Abejide “to scatter them (ADC)”.

The group noted that the ADC had previously ratified the expulsion of both individuals at its last national convention.

GMN described the comments as troubling and called on well-meaning Nigerians to urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to uphold democratic principles and the rule of law.

The statement emphasised that political parties have the constitutional right to determine their own membership and internal affairs, citing Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantees freedom of association, and Section 83 of the Electoral Act, which limits external interference in party matters.

GMN warned that any attempt to use state power to impose expelled members on a political party could undermine the rule of law.

The group appealed to the National Assembly, civil society organisations, and the international community to closely monitor developments in the political space, especially as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.

It reaffirmed the ADC’s commitment to internal democracy and its resolve to remain united under its legitimate national leadership.