Olumide Akpata Joins ADC to collaborate with Peter Obi, promising to add value and support a new Nigeria ahead of the 2027 elections
Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party governorship candidate for the 2024 Edo State election, officially joined the African Democratic Congress on Tuesday, citing the opportunity to team up with Peter Obi, former LP presidential candidate in 2023, as a key motivation.
Also read: Olumide Akpata Denies APC Defection Rumours
Speaking at a ceremony at the ADC secretariat in Benin, Akpata said he joined the party to “add value” following Obi’s own defection to the ADC on 31 December 2025.
The reception was attended by prominent figures including State Chairman Kennedy Odion; former Edo State governors John Odigie-Oyegun and Oserheimen Osunbor; former Senate Chief Whip Roland Owie; Hon. Murphy Omoruyi, member representing Egor/Ikpoba-Okha federal constituency; and Peter Obi.
Akpata received his party card from Odion and expressed gratitude for the warm welcome, praising both the ADC leadership and the Obidient Movement for their commitment to a “new Nigeria.”
Peter Obi, addressing the gathering, emphasised the need to build a nation that works for all citizens.
“Our commitment to a new Nigeria is total though they are doing everything possible to stop us,” he said.
“We must build a nation that works for all, not a few. This country is currently working for a few; it shouldn’t be so. We are all Nigerians. We must move this country from consumption to production.”
In his welcome remarks, Odion reiterated the ADC’s dedication to national progress and thanked Obi for his steadfast leadership.
Former governors John Odigie-Oyegun and Oserheimen Osunbor expressed optimism about the party’s prospects in 2027.
Osunbor accused the ruling APC of planning to rig future elections and criticised their opposition to real-time electronic transmission of results in the 2023 presidential election.
“Those who intend to rig are opposed to real-time transmission,” he said.
“They know they cannot win a free and fair election following the rules, but Nigeria must be alert.”
Also read: ADC leaders urge unity ahead of 2027 general elections
The ceremony signalled a significant political realignment in Edo State, as Akpata joins forces with Obi and senior ADC leaders to strengthen the party ahead of upcoming national elections.
