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Says Obi Influences Decision
- Safiu Kehinde
Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and 2024 Edo Governorship candidate, Olumide Akpata, has dumped the Labour Party as he formally joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Akpata was on Tuesday received by the ADC leadership of the state at the party’s secretariat in Benin, Edo state.
He was received by the State Chairman of the ADC, Kennedy Odion; former governors of Edo State and leaders of the ADC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor, former Senate Chief Whip, Roland Owie; and Hon. Murphy Omoruyi, member representing Egor/Ikpoba-Okha federal constituency at the House of Representatives.
Also present at the defection ceremony was the 2023 Labour Party Presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
In his address, Akpata disclosed that Obi influenced his decision to join the ADC, stressing that he defected to the party to team up with the former Anambra governor.
He further noted that he joined the party to contribute to its growth.
On his part, Obi reaffirmed his commitment to a new Nigeria hat works for all and not for few.
“our commitment to a new Nigeria is total though they are doing everything possible to stop us.
“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.” He said.
In an earlier remark, the ADC Edo state chapter chairman, Odion, expressed his gratitude to Obi for his steadfastness while reiterating that the party is committed to building a new Nigeria.
Also speaking at the event, Odigie-Oyegun held that the ADC is witnessing steady growth in both numbers and quality.
He maintained that Nigeria as a nation is in urgent need of rescue.
Osunbor, on his part, expressed confidence that the Oyegun-led coalition would propel the ADC to victory in the 2027 general elections.
He recalled Oyegun’s role in leading the 2013 coalition that produced the APC victory in 2015, noting that history would repeat itself under the ADC.