Benin City, Nigeria – July 15, 2025 — Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie Oyegun, has officially joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), openly criticizing the APC-led federal government for widespread hunger, insecurity, and deepening national division under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.
Oyegun, a founding figure of the APC and former Governor of Edo State, received his ADC membership card yesterday from the Edo State Chairman of the party, Mr. Kennedy Odion, at the ADC secretariat in Benin City.
In a scathing address following his defection, Chief Oyegun laid blame for Nigeria’s worsening conditions squarely on the shoulders of his former party.
“The level of hunger and starvation in the country today is alarming, and the APC must take full responsibility,” Oyegun stated.
“Insecurity is ravaging states like Benue, and we have never been this divided as a nation under any government until now.”
He criticized the ruling party’s failure to address Nigeria’s most pressing issues and expressed confidence that the ADC presents a genuine alternative for rescuing the country.
Why ADC?
Oyegun shed light on the process behind his political move, explaining that an extensive internal review and consultation process preceded the coalition’s choice of the ADC as its new political platform.
“We considered about seven other political parties. Even when we were urged to delay the decision and keep talking, we still came back to the ADC,” he said.
“No other party showed the same level of dedication to the Nigerian people as the ADC.”
The former APC chieftain dismissed reports that the ADC aims to destabilize the federal government, describing such claims as deliberate misinformation meant to undermine the party’s mission.
“Those spreading such rumours only want to diminish our goal. Our coalition is formed solely to rescue Nigeria, not to cause chaos,” he affirmed.
A Growing Coalition
Chief Oyegun praised the rapid growth and momentum of the ADC, claiming the party is now a melting pot of Nigeria’s political best from across multiple platforms.
“In just a month, ADC has transformed from a party to a powerful movement. We now include the best of PDP, some of the best from APC, and other experienced professionals from various sectors who never envisioned entering politics,” he noted.
Odion Backs Oyegun’s Leadership
In his remarks during the presentation of Oyegun’s membership card, Mr. Kennedy Odion emphasized the former APC chairman’s proven track record in building effective political coalitions.
“Chief Oyegun has done this before and succeeded. He understands the formula. It’s not a coincidence that he is from Edo the heartbeat of the nation. He is once again leading the charge to redeem Nigeria,” Odion said.
He further revealed that Oyegun served as chairman of the implementation committee that ultimately endorsed ADC as the coalition’s official platform.
As the 2027 general elections approach, Chief Oyegun’s move signals a major shift in Nigeria’s political landscape, with the ADC now poised to attract more high-profile defections in the coming months.
