•Olumide Akpata
Former governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2024 Edo State election, Olumide Akpata, has defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Akpata was formally received by the Edo State Chairman of the ADC, Kennedy Odion, alongside party leaders including former Edo State governors John Odigie-Oyegun and Oserheimen Osunbor. Others present 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, reports The Guardian.
He said he joined the party to contribute meaningfully to its growth and the broader vision of building a new Nigeria.
Akpata thanked the party leadership for the warm reception and expressed appreciation to the Obidient Movement for its consistency and resilience.
In his remarks, Obi reaffirmed his commitment to the struggle for a new Nigeria, saying efforts were being made to frustrate the movement. “Our commitment to a new Nigeria is total, even though they are doing everything possible to stop us,” he said.
He added that Nigeria must be restructured to work for all citizens, not just a privileged few, stressing the need to move the country from a consumption-driven economy to one focused on production.
Earlier, Edo ADC chairman, Odion, thanked Obi for his steadfastness and said the party remained committed to the vision of national renewal.
Also speaking, Odigie-Oyegun said the ADC was witnessing steady growth in both numbers and quality, describing Nigeria as a nation in urgent need of rescue.
Osunbor expressed confidence that the Oyegun-led coalition would propel the ADC to victory in the 2027 general elections.
He recalled Oyegun’s role in leading the 2013 coalition that produced the APC victory in 2015, noting that history would repeat itself under the ADC.
Osunbor also accused the ruling party of plans to manipulate the 2027 elections, citing opposition to real-time electronic transmission of results as evidence.
He warned that Nigerians must remain vigilant, insisting that only those intent on rigging elections oppose transparent electoral processes.
