APC, PDP, LP Members Defect to ADC in Edo

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Edo State has recorded a major boost in its membership following the defection of scores of politicians from the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Labour Party (LP).

The defectors were received on Saturday in Ewohimi, Esan South East Local Government Area, by the ADC state chairman, Tony Alile, and a party leader and former governorship aspirant, Kenneth Imansuagbon.

The mass movement saw card-carrying members of the rival parties publicly align with the ADC, strengthening the party’s grassroots structure ahead of future elections.

Speaking with journalists, Alile described the gathering as spontaneous and driven by the people, stressing that no one was induced to attend. He said the turnout reflected growing frustration among Nigerians over hardship imposed by the present government.

“This is the beauty of democracy and a victory for the people,” Alile said.

He expressed confidence that the political tide in Esan land had shifted decisively, adding that if elections were held today, the ADC would emerge victorious.

On internal party matters, Alile acknowledged grievances following his emergence as chairman but assured that reconciliation efforts were ongoing. He said the party’s conflict resolution mechanisms had been activated.

In his remarks, Imansuagbon described the defection as a popular revolt against entrenched political interests, insisting that power belongs to the people. He cited issues such as kidnapping, hunger, and unemployment as reasons for the movement.

The event also saw the unveiling of new aspirants from Ward 2, including a House of Assembly hopeful, Engineer Barnabas Odion, a former PDP member. Odion declared his intention to contest for the Esan South East State Constituency seat under the ADC platform, citing neglect and poor representation as key motivations.

The political realignment in Edo comes ahead of the local government poll and next year’s general election.