The wave of defections from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has extended to Edo State, with prominent figures exiting the party over internal disputes.
Among those who have left are former Senate Chief Whip Rowland Owie and party founding member Sunny Aguebor, both of whom have joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
The latest defections were announced on Wednesday, as the politicians cited ongoing leadership crises and alleged irregularities within the party as key reasons for their decision.
Owie accused the party leadership in Edo State of being improperly constituted, alleging that internal processes were compromised and influenced by powerful figures.
He specifically pointed fingers at former Edo State governor John Odigie-Oyegun, claiming that decisions regarding party leadership and structure were imposed rather than democratically determined.
According to him, the emergence of party officials did not follow due process, particularly at the local level where zoning arrangements were allegedly ignored.
REASONS FOR DEFECTION
Owie further alleged that internal party management had become inconsistent and unreliable, describing a situation where decisions frequently changed without clear direction.
He also claimed that some political positions within the party were being informally reserved for individuals who were not even members, raising concerns about transparency and fairness.
Sunny Aguebor, on his part, pointed to legal challenges facing the ADC at the national level, noting that the NDC offered a more stable platform free from such complications.
Both leaders maintained that the ongoing crisis had made it difficult for committed members to remain in the party.
The defectors expressed confidence in their new political platform, stating that the NDC provides a clearer structure and better prospects ahead of future elections.
Owie suggested that a large number of active ADC members in Edo State had already moved to the NDC, describing the shift as a major realignment in the state’s political landscape.
Reacting to the development, the ADC’s State Publicity Secretary-elect, Christopher Ojeikere, downplayed the impact of the defections.
He stated that the party remains focused on its internal processes and is preparing for its primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to him, the departure of some members will not derail the party’s plans or affect its readiness for upcoming political contests.
The growing number of defections from the ADC highlights deepening divisions within the party, particularly at the state level. As political alignments continue to shift ahead of the 2027 elections, Edo State appears set for intensified competition among emerging and established parties.
