By Deborah Nnamdi
Former governorship candidate of the Labour Party in the 2024 Edo State election, Olumide Akpata, has defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Akpata was formally received into the party by the Edo State Chairman of the ADC, Kennedy Odion, alongside prominent party leaders including former Edo State governors John Odigie-Oyegun and Oserheimen Osunbor. Also present at the event were former Senate Chief Whip Roland Owie, House of Representatives member for Egor/Ikpoba-Okha Federal Constituency Murphy Omoruyi, and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi.
Speaking after receiving his ADC membership card, Akpata said his decision to join the party was influenced by Obi’s earlier defection to the ADC on December 31, 2025. He explained that he was motivated by the desire to contribute meaningfully to the party’s growth and to advance the broader vision of building a new Nigeria.
He expressed gratitude to the party leadership for the warm reception and commended the Obidient Movement for its consistency and resilience.
In his remarks, Obi reaffirmed his commitment to what he described as the struggle for a new Nigeria, alleging that there were efforts to frustrate the movement. “Our commitment to a new Nigeria is total, even though they are doing everything possible to stop us,” he said.
Obi stressed the need to restructure Nigeria to serve the interests of all citizens rather than a privileged few. He also called for a shift from a consumption-driven economy to one focused on production.
Earlier, Odion thanked Obi for his steadfastness and said the ADC remained committed to national renewal.
Odigie-Oyegun noted that the party was experiencing steady growth in both membership and influence, describing Nigeria as a nation in urgent need of rescue.
Osunbor expressed confidence that the Oyegun-led coalition would position the ADC for victory in the 2027 general elections. He recalled Oyegun’s role in leading the 2013 coalition that culminated in the 2015 electoral victory of the All Progressives Congress, expressing optimism that history would repeat itself under the ADC.
Osunbor also accused the ruling party of planning to manipulate the 2027 elections, citing opposition to real-time electronic transmission of results as evidence. He warned Nigerians to remain vigilant, insisting that only those intent on rigging elections would oppose transparent electoral processes.
