Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party (LP) candidate in the 2024 Edo governorship election, has defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Mr Akpata, also a former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), made a formal move to ADC on Tuesday at a ceremony at the party’s secretariat in Benin, the Edo State capital.

The ADC state chairman, Kennedy Odion, handed Mr Akpata the party’s membership card in the presence of the state and national leaders.

The leaders include Peter Obi, a presidential aspirant and former Anambra governor, and John Odigie-Oyegun, former APC national chairman and first executive governor of Edo.

Another former Edo governor, Oserheimen Osunbor, was also present, among others.

Mr Akpata expressed gratitude for the warm reception, thanked the ADC for believing in a new Nigeria, and saluted the ‘Obidient Movement’ for their steadfastness.

He said he decided to join the ADC to add value to it, especially after Mr Obi joined it on December 31, 2025.

In his remarks, Mr Obi expressed his commitment to a new Nigeria.

“Our commitment to a new Nigeria is total, though they are doing everything possible to stop us.

“We must build a nation that works for all, not just a few. This country is currently working for a few; it shouldn’t be so. We are all Nigerians.

“As a matter of fact, we must move this country from the status of consumption to production,” he said.

On his part, Mr Odigie-Oyegun said, “Our stocks are growing every day, not just in number but in quality. Nigeria is a nation that needs to be saved.”

(NAN)