A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, has expressed confidence that the growing collaboration between the party and the Obidient Movement will unseat the All Progressives Congress in the 2027 general elections.
Odigie-Oyegun, a former National Chairman of the APC, spoke on Monday in Benin City, Edo State, during the formal defection of members of the Obidient Movement to the ADC.
The development comes weeks after the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Mr Peter Obi, formally aligned with the ADC.
Welcoming the defectors, Odigie-Oyegun said the influx of members of the Obidient Movement into the party reflected the determination of Nigerians, particularly young people, to drive a change in leadership and pursue national renewal.
He noted that the quality and calibre of individuals joining the party had strengthened confidence that meaningful change was attainable.
According to him, the decision of the Obidient Movement to pitch its tent with the ADC demonstrated a resolve to take ownership of the struggle for a better Nigeria.
Odigie-Oyegun said widespread dissatisfaction with the current state of the nation and developments in Edo State should serve as a rallying point for collective political action.
He added that the ADC remained committed to providing a platform capable of rescuing the country and delivering a new direction in governance.
Also speaking at the event, the Edo State Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Mr Asemota Idiogbe, described the ADC as the most viable platform to challenge the APC both at the state and national levels.
Idiogbe expressed optimism that the party would produce its presidential candidate from within its ranks and eventually win the presidency, stressing that members of the Obidient Movement were joining to strengthen the party rather than seek personal benefits.
He said the movement would mobilise voters in support of the ADC, adding that it was a platform for Nigerians seeking improved governance and national development.
Idiogbe further stated that while leaders of the Obidient Movement played key roles in building the Labour Party, the movement had now fully aligned with the ADC.
The Edo State Chairman of the ADC, Mr Kenneth Odion, welcomed the new members, noting that their defection had positioned the party for stronger electoral performance in future polls.
Similarly, the state Woman Leader of the party, Mrs Faith Ebodaghe, described the ADC as a rescue platform, calling on women to actively participate in the political process to drive change.
The Obidient Movement was a major force behind Peter Obi’s strong performance in the 2023 presidential election, where he finished behind President Bola Tinubu of the APC and Mr Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party.