The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has stepped up its membership mobilisation in Edo State, attracting a surge of defections from the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Labour Party (LP) within the Edo Central Senatorial District of Governor Monday Okpebholo.
At a well-attended gathering held over the weekend in Ewohimi, Esan South-East Local Government Area, the ADC State Chairman, Tony Alile, alongside party stalwart Kenneth Imansuagbon, formally welcomed numerous defectors who pledged allegiance to the party. The development signals a notable shift in the district’s political landscape.
Party leaders described the influx as a strategic breakthrough, emphasizing that the arrival of members from the three major parties has significantly strengthened the ADC’s grassroots presence across the senatorial zone.
Speaking with journalists, Alile attributed the movement to widespread public dissatisfaction rather than political inducement, noting that the large turnout reflects growing frustration among citizens. He described the moment as a turning point in the district’s political trajectory and expressed confidence that the ADC is fast emerging as a dominant force.
In his remarks, Imansuagbon characterised the defections as a rejection of entrenched political structures, asserting that residents are determined to take control of their political future. He added that persistent challenges such as insecurity, economic hardship, and unemployment have driven many to seek an alternative platform, which they now find in the ADC.
The event also featured the unveiling of new aspirants, including House of Assembly hopeful Barnabas Odion, who declared his intention to contest the Esan South-East State Constituency seat under the ADC in the 2027 elections.
Odion said his decision was motivated by years of neglect and inadequate representation, pledging to prioritise development and effective leadership if elected.
With the latest wave of defections, ADC leaders maintain that the party is consolidating its foothold across Edo Central and expanding its influence ahead of future political contests in Edo State.
