Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, has formally joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), marking a significant shift in Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Chief Oyegun received his ADC membership card on Monday from the Edo State Chairman of the party, Mr Kennedy Odion, at the party’s state secretariat in Benin City. The move signals Oyegun’s return to active political coalition-building with a renewed mission to “rescue Nigeria” from what he described as economic hardship and insecurity under the current APC-led government.
Speaking at the event, Mr Odion described the former APC chairman as an experienced unifier, recalling his previous success in spearheading a political coalition. “He has put together what is called a coalition before and he succeeded. So, in mathematics, once you understand the formula, the answer is in view,” Odion said.
He added that Oyegun was instrumental in choosing the ADC as the platform for the emerging coalition, which he said is poised to offer Nigerians a credible alternative in 2027.
In his remarks, Chief Oyegun revealed that the decision to join the ADC came after extensive consultations with leaders of seven different political parties. He said the coalition eventually settled on the ADC after concluding that it was the most people-focused and principled among the lot.
“We talked to a lot of parties – about seven. We made a report and we said ADC. Some said, ‘No, you must still talk to others.’ We delayed our decision for another fortnight, but in the end, we still came back to ADC,” Oyegun explained.
He also launched a scathing criticism of the APC, blaming the ruling party for worsening hunger, deepening national divisions, and the alarming rise in insecurity, particularly in Benue State and other parts of the country.
“The nation has never been so divided as it is under the present leadership of President Bola Tinubu,” Oyegun said, dismissing speculations that the coalition was plotting to destabilise the government.
According to the elder statesman, the ADC is not only expanding rapidly but also attracting credible individuals from across the political spectrum.
“From a month ago, you were just ADC. Today, one can say we are the largest party in this nation. ADC is now a mix of the best of PDP, the best of APC, and professionals who have never ventured into politics before. Many more are on the way,” he added.
Oyegun’s formal entry into the ADC and his vocal criticism of the APC are expected to fuel political realignments in the lead-up to the next general elections. Observers say the coalition’s success could reshape Nigeria’s electoral map, especially if more influential figures throw their weight behind the movement.
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