RismadarVoice Reporters
January 20, 2026
Some members of the Obidient Movement in Edo State have formally joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), marking a significant political realignment ahead of future elections.
The development comes amid reports that the movement’s leader and former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has also aligned with the ADC.
Receiving the defectors on Monday, the National Leader of the ADC, Chief John Oyegun, said their decision reflected a growing national resolve to pursue leadership change and rebuild Nigeria.
Oyegun, a former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), described the influx of the Obidient Movement members as a positive signal for the party and the country.
“A new Nigeria is truly possible,” he said. “A few days ago, I was present when a colourful and important personality, Dele Momodu, joined us. Today, I am witnessing youths who are deeply committed to nation-building.
“This is my first time meeting members of the Obidient Movement in this number, and it convinces me that the youth of this country are ready. You have decided to take up the struggle yourselves by joining the ADC, and I am happy about that.”
Oyegun added that the coalition forming around the ADC was driven by a shared dissatisfaction with the state of governance in Nigeria and Edo State in particular.
“We have one target: we have a country to save. Through the ADC, we must make a new Nigeria possible,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, the Edo State Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Asemota Igiogbe, said the ADC was best positioned to challenge the APC both in Edo State and nationally.
According to him, the movement believes Peter Obi would emerge as the party’s presidential flagbearer and ultimately win the presidency.
“This is the right party to battle the APC in Edo and Nigeria,” Igiogbe said. “ADC will take over Edo and the country. We expect Peter Obi to be president.
“We are not here to ask for positions; we are here to build the party. We will influence the masses to vote for the ADC. The party is for people who want a better Nigeria.”
He further claimed that key figures who previously strengthened the Labour Party had now moved into the ADC, adding that the Obidient Movement was self-funded and driven by grassroots mobilization.
“The leaders you see here today were the people who made the Labour Party strong. 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, noting that the party was gaining momentum and was well-positioned to make a strong showing in upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the ADC State Woman Leader, Faith Ebhogabhe, described the party as being on a mission to rescue Nigeria.
“We are the David God sent to Goliath,” she said. “We are going to 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 rise.”
