Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and ex-governor of Edo State, has officially joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) opposition coalition, marking a significant political shift ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Oyegun, who served as APC chairman from 2013 to 2018 and played a crucial role in the party’s historic 2015 electoral victory, is widely regarded as a respected elder statesman with nationwide influence.
His defection is being interpreted by analysts as a direct response to the intensifying internal divisions and leadership tussles within the ruling APC.
His move comes on the heels of growing dissatisfaction among prominent political figures disillusioned with the current direction of the APC.
Oyegun now joins other influential figures such as retired Air Chief Marshal Saddique Abubakar and former Edo State governor and senator, Oserheimen Osunbor, who recently aligned with the ADC-led coalition.
Sources close to the coalition revealed that Oyegun has been instrumental in mobilizing support for the ADC as the preferred political platform for uniting Nigeria’s fragmented opposition.
Alongside former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-governor Aminu Tambuwal, Oyegun is reported to be at the forefront of strategic negotiations that led to the adoption of the ADC as the vehicle for a united opposition front.
Political observers say Oyegun’s entry into the coalition is expected to bolster the party’s credibility and appeal among centrist voters and disaffected members of the ruling party.
With the 2027 elections looming, the ADC’s growing coalition signals a serious challenge to the dominance of the APC and sets the stage for a high-stakes political battle for Nigeria’s future.
