ADC–Obidient Alliance Poised to Challenge APC in 2027, Says Odigie-Oyegun

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, has declared that the growing collaboration between the ADC and the Obidient Movement represents a serious political force capable of unseating the ruling APC in the 2027 general elections. Speaking in Benin City, Edo State, Odigie-Oyegun expressed optimism that the convergence of opposition forces, especially the youth-driven Obidient Movement, signals the beginning of a renewed struggle for leadership change and national rebirth.

Odigie-Oyegun made the remarks on Monday during the mass defection of members of the Obidient Movement into the ADC in Edo State. The event followed closely on the heels of the formal defection of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to the ADC—a development that has reshaped the country’s opposition landscape and intensified political calculations ahead of 2027.

Welcoming the new entrants, Odigie-Oyegun described the influx of Obidient members as a clear indication that Nigerians, particularly young people, are no longer content with the status quo. According to him, the calibre, passion, and commitment of those joining the ADC reinforce the belief that Nigeria can still be restructured and placed on the path of good governance.

“A new Nigeria is truly possible,” Odigie-Oyegun declared, insisting that the coalition forming around the ADC reflects a growing national consensus that change cannot be postponed indefinitely. He recalled recent defections of notable personalities into the party, including media entrepreneur Dele Momodu, as evidence that the ADC is steadily becoming a rallying point for reform-minded Nigerians across different demographics.

The former APC chairman noted that the Obidient Movement’s decision to join the ADC was not accidental but a deliberate choice to take ownership of the struggle for change rather than remain on the fringes of partisan politics. He argued that meaningful political transformation requires active participation within a structured political platform capable of contesting and winning elections.

“You have decided to take up the struggle yourselves by joining the ADC, and I am happy,” Odigie-Oyegun said. “From the day this coalition came together, I was convinced that we are on the right path. We have one clear target: we have a country to save.”

He further urged party members and new defectors to channel their dissatisfaction with the current state of the nation into organised political action. According to him, frustration with governance at both the national level and within states such as Edo should serve as motivation to work collectively toward electoral victory.

Also speaking at the event, the Edo State Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Asemota Idiogbe, described the ADC as the most viable platform for challenging the APC both in Edo State and across the country. He expressed confidence that the party, strengthened by the Obidient Movement’s grassroots energy, would make significant electoral gains in the coming elections.

“This is the right party to battle the APC in Edo and Nigeria,” Idiogbe stated. “ADC will take over Edo and the country.” He further expressed optimism that the ADC would eventually field Peter Obi as its presidential candidate and produce the next president of Nigeria.

According to Idiogbe, members of the Obidient Movement are not motivated by personal gain or political appointments but by a genuine desire to see a better Nigeria. He stressed that the movement is largely self-funded and relies on volunteerism rather than monetary inducements to mobilise supporters. He also alleged that some politicians who benefited from the movement’s support in the past later betrayed its ideals by defecting to the APC.

The Edo State Chairman of the ADC, Kenneth Odion, welcomed the Obidient Movement into the party, describing the development as a major boost to the ADC’s electoral prospects. He said the merger positions the party as a serious contender capable of mounting a strong challenge in future elections.

In the same vein, the ADC State Woman Leader, Faith Ebodaghe, called on women to take an active role in the political struggle, describing the party as a “rescue platform” for Nigerians burdened by hardship. Using biblical imagery, she likened the ADC to David confronting Goliath, insisting that with collective action and the power of voters’ cards, the ruling party could be defeated.

“The pain is enough,” she said. “When we deliver, the pain will be no more. Women must be ready to rise and change the narrative.”

As reactions continue to trail the ADC–Obidient collaboration, supporters view the alliance as a bold attempt to consolidate opposition forces ahead of 2027, while critics dismiss it as social-media-driven optimism. Nevertheless, the growing momentum around the ADC suggests that Nigeria’s opposition politics may be entering a new and more competitive phase, one that could significantly reshape the country’s political future.