A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, has expressed optimism that the collaboration between the party and the Obidient Movement will oust the All Progressives Congress (APC) from power in 2027.
Former APC National Chairman Odigie-Oyegun gave a speech on Monday in Benin during the Obidient Movement’s mass defection into the ADC in Edo State.
The announcement was made just weeks after Peter Obi, a former presidential contender for the Labour Party, officially joined the ADC.
Odigie-Oyegun welcomed the Obidient Movement on Monday, saying that the movement’s entry into the party demonstrated Nigerians’ willingness to participate in the fight for a change in leadership and a revitalization of the country.
He claims that the quality of people joining the ADC supports the idea that a new Nigeria is possible.
“A new Nigeria is truly possible,” Odigie-Oyegun said.
“A few days ago, I was in a hall when a colorful and important personality, Dele Momodu, joined us. Today is the first time I am seeing youths who are genuinely committed to nation-building. It is also my first time meeting members of the Obidient Movement in this number, and we are convinced that the youth of this country are ready.”
He explained that the Obidient Movement made a conscious decision to take charge of the fight for change by joining the ADC.
“You have decided to take up the struggle yourselves by joining the ADC, and I am happy. From the day this coalition came together, I was convinced that we are on the right path,” he said.
According to Odigie-Oyegun, discontent with the nation’s and Edo State’s current situation should spur group action.
“We have one target: we have a country to save. We must ensure that through the ADC, we make a new Nigeria possible,” he added.
Speaking as well, Asemota Idiogbe, the Obidient Movement’s Edo State Coordinator, stated that the ADC offered the best platform for opposing the APC in Edo State and nationally.
“This is the right party to battle the APC in Edo and Nigeria. ADC will take over Edo and the country,” he said.
Idiogbe expressed hope that Peter Obi would be the party’s presidential nominee and that the next president will be born.
“We expect Peter Obi to be the president. We are here to strengthen the party, not to ask for positions. We will influence the masses to vote for the ADC. The party is for people who want a better Nigeria,” he said.
He also stated that leaders of the Obidient Movement were instrumental in building the Labour Party but insisted that the movement had now fully merged into the ADC.
“We are self-funded. We do not share money to mobilize people. Some of those who won on our platform betrayed us and joined the APC,” he said.
The Obidient Movement was welcomed into the party by the ADC’s Edo State Chairman, Kenneth Odion, who claimed that the move set the party up for future election success.
Faith Ebodaghe, the State Woman Leader, encouraged women to actively participate in the political fight and referred to the ADC as a rescue platform.
“The ADC is on a rescue mission. We are the David sent to confront Goliath. With our voter cards, we will bring down the APC,” she said.
“The pain is enough. When we deliver, the pain will be no more. Women must be ready to fly and change the narrative.”
