By Boluwatife Adedokun
Some members of the Obidient Movement in Edo State have formally joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), following reports of their leader, Peter Obi, aligning with the party.
The defection took place on Monday, as the group was received by the National Leader of the ADC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, who described the move as a sign that Nigerians, particularly youths, are increasingly committed to changing the country’s leadership trajectory.
Oyegun, a former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said the calibre of individuals joining the ADC showed that the party was emerging as a viable platform for national renewal.
“A new Nigeria is truly possible,” he said. “A few days ago, we welcomed Dele Momodu, and today, it is inspiring to see young people so committed to nation-building. This is the first time I am meeting members of the Obidient Movement in this number, and it convinces us that Nigerian youths are ready.”
He added that the decision of the Obidient members to formally join the ADC demonstrated their willingness to take ownership of the struggle for a better country.
“You have decided to take up the struggle yourselves by joining the ADC. From the moment the coalition came together, I was convinced we were on the right path. We have one country to save, and through the ADC, we must make a new Nigeria possible,” Oyegun stated.
Speaking at the event, the Edo State Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Asemota Igiogbe, said the ADC provided the strongest platform to challenge the APC both in Edo State and at the national level.
According to him, the movement expects Peter Obi to emerge as the party’s presidential candidate and eventually lead the country.
“This is the right party to battle the APC in Edo and Nigeria. ADC will take over Edo and the country. We expect Peter Obi to be the president,” Igiogbe said, adding that members joined the party to build it rather than seek political appointments.
He further stated that the Obidient Movement would mobilise grassroots support for the ADC, stressing that the group was self-funded and driven by conviction rather than monetary inducements.
“We don’t share money to mobilise people. We are self-funded. Some of those who won on our platform betrayed us and joined the APC. The leaders you see here were the ones who built the Labour Party. Now that we have fused into the ADC, Labour is no more,” he said.
The Edo State Chairman of the ADC, Kenneth Odion, welcomed the new members, describing the party as well-positioned to record strong electoral performance in the next election cycle.
Also speaking, the party’s state woman leader, Faith Ebhogabhe, said the ADC was on a rescue mission, urging women to take active roles in the political process.
“We are the David sent to Goliath. We will bring the APC down with our voters’ cards. The pain is enough, and we are here to change the narrative. Women must be ready to fly,” she said.
