The African Democratic Congress (ADC) recorded a major political boost in Edo Central as former governorship aspirant, Barrister Kenneth Imansuagbon and former Governor Oserheimen Osunbor, received decampees from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at a well-attended Senatorial stakeholders’ meeting in Ewohimi, Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State.
Addressing party faithful, Imansuangbon declared that the growing support for ADC signaled a shift in the political mood of Edo people, insisting that both President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Monday Okpebholo would face stiff rejection in 2027.
He said: “It is evident that Edo people at the state and federal level are ready to deny Tinubu and Okpebholo second tenure. No amount of intimidation or oppression will override the will of the people.”
The ADC stalwart, who described the mass defection as a “tsunami,” said it is a demonstration of the acceptability of the party in the state.
“In 2023, it was the turn of one man, but in 2027, it will be the turn of the Nigerian people. The only winning strategy is the endorsement of the people,” he said while dismissing the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s strength of 31 governors as politically insignificant.
He further argued that numerical control of states does not translate to electoral victory, noting: “Thirty-one governors have thirty-one votes. The people are not with them. What will count is the collective will of Nigerians.”
He also expressed confidence that the forthcoming ADC congress would be transparent and peaceful, in contrast to what he described as irregularities witnessed in APC conventions.
Earlier, the Edo State Chairman of ADC, Kennedy Odion, expressed satisfaction with the party’s steady growth, attributing it to grassroots mobilization and sustained advocacy.
“What I saw today gives me renewed commitment. ADC has become a household name, and the results of our efforts are beginning to manifest,” he said.
Also speaking, former Edo State Governor and ADC National Legal Adviser, Oserheimen Osunbor, commended the influx of new members, particularly from the PDP, describing it as a sign of confidence in the party’s vision. He cautioned defecting APC governors against overconfidence, citing provisions of the Electoral Act.
“Many of them may be disappointed at the eleventh hour. Nigerians should align with ADC to rescue the country,” he stated.
Osunbor also dismissed Governor Okpebholo’s promise to deliver 3.5 million votes for Tinubu as a “hoax.”
“What is the total number of registered voters in Edo State? Such claims only suggest reliance on manipulation. Our people must not fall for it,” he warned.
The event drew prominent figures including former PDP National Women Leader, Mrs. Herberta Okonofua; Mr. Akin Anenih; Braimoh Okonofua; Akhakon Anenih; Hon. Sylvester Ewanehi and other ADC stakeholders among others.
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