Former APC National Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun Embraces ADC, Declares Party as Best Hope for Nigeria

 

Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former governor of Edo State, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, has officially joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The development marks a significant political shift as the elder statesman aligns with what he describes as a party that genuinely prioritizes the interests of Nigerians.

The official unveiling of Odigie-Oyegun as a member of the ADC took place in Benin City, the capital of Edo State, where he received his membership card from the party’s state chairman, Kennedy Odion. His registration was accompanied by warm reception from ADC leaders and supporters, who see his presence as a major boost to the party’s credibility and organizational strength.

During the ceremony, Kennedy Odion offered a reflective and hopeful address, pointing out that Odigie-Oyegun is no stranger to building political alliances. He reminded the audience of the crucial role the former APC chairman played in shaping the coalition that birthed the APC back in 2013, a political maneuver that eventually saw the defeat of President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration in 2015.

Odion praised Oyegun’s strategic mind and his historical understanding of coalition politics, saying, “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.” According to Odion, such experience is invaluable as the ADC prepares for a renewed national presence and possibly a wider political alliance ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He added, “It is not a coincidence that Chief John Odigie-Oyegun hails from Edo State, often regarded as the heartbeat of Nigeria. That energy, that central role, is something we are now ready to harness with his guidance. He has not just joined a party; he is leading a movement.”

The former APC chairman, who was instrumental in the early formative stages of APC and its eventual political triumph, expressed that the journey to the ADC was not rushed but thoroughly deliberated. He revealed that extensive consultations had taken place with several other political parties, seven in total, before concluding that the ADC provided the most sincere and focused platform for real change.

“We talked to a lot of parties, about seven of them. We listened, we asked questions, and we took notes. Up till the very last minute, we kept the door open. Some colleagues urged us to explore further, to give others a chance. So we postponed the final decision for another two weeks,” Oyegun explained.

At the end of that period, the group reconvened and reassessed its options. According to Oyegun, despite the conversations held with other parties, none matched the level of dedication to national interest and developmental focus demonstrated by the ADC. “We said, ‘Yes, what you asked us to do, we have done. We talked to the others.’ But we came back again and said, ‘This is the party that truly reflects our hopes.’”

His message to supporters and political observers was clear: Nigeria needs a political home that genuinely places the people at the center, and the ADC has proven to be that home.

Odigie-Oyegun’s move has generated reactions from across political lines. Some see it as a sign of the shifting tides within Nigeria’s political architecture, especially among seasoned politicians disillusioned with the current power blocs. Others consider it a calculated move toward forming another viable coalition that could contest future national elections with formidable strength.

While it remains to be seen how this development will influence the broader political landscape, the ADC appears to be gaining momentum with high-profile additions like Oyegun. The party leadership is now tasked with turning this momentum into grassroots energy, translating political statements into electoral results.

Chief Oyegun’s political legacy, characterized by discipline, patience, and coalition-building, could be the ingredient needed to breathe fresh life into the ADC’s mission. For many Nigerians watching the nation’s political space with cautious optimism, this realignment offers a glimpse of something different from the established order.