Some members of the Obidient Movement in Edo State formally joined the African Democratic Congress on Monday.
The move comes on the heels of the reported movement of their leader, Peter Obi, into the party.
Receiving the Obidient members, the National Leader of the ADC, Chief John Oyegun, said their decision to join the party showed that Nigerians were ready to embrace the struggle for leadership change in the country.
Oyegun, a former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, said a new Nigeria was possible with the calibre of people joining the ADC, adding that he was pleased with the Obidient Movement’s decision to align with the party.
He said, “A new Nigeria is truly possible. A few days ago, I was in the hall when a colourful and important personality, Dele Momodu, joined us.
“Today is the first time I have seen youths so committed to nation-building. It is my first time meeting members of the Obidient Movement in this number. We are convinced that the youth of this country are ready.
“You have decided to take up the struggle yourselves by joining the ADC. I am happy. I want to say that from the day the coalition came together, I was convinced that we were on the right path.
“I am sure you are not happy with what is happening in Nigeria and Edo State. Remember that the chairman said that we have one target: we have a country to save. We must ensure that, through the ADC, we make a new Nigeria possible.”
The Edo State Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Asemota Igiogbe, said the ADC was the right party to challenge the APC in Edo State and Nigeria.He stated that he expected Peter Obi to emerge as the party’s flagbearer and eventually become president.
He said, “This is the right party to battle the APC in Edo and Nigeria. ADC will take over Edo and the country. We expect Peter Obi to be the president. We are here to build the party, not to ask for positions.
“We will influence the masses to vote for the ADC. The party is for people who want a better Nigeria. I want to let you know that the current leaders were the people who made the Labour Party thick. Now that we have fused into the ADC, Labour is no more.
“We don’t share money to mobilise people. We are self-funded. Some of those who won on our platform betrayed us and joined the APC.”
The state chairman of the ADC, Kenneth Odion, commended the Obidient Movement for joining the party, noting that it was well-positioned to perform strongly in the next election.
Also speaking, the state woman leader, Faith Ebhogabhe, said the ADC was on a rescue mission.
She said, “We are the David God sent to Goliath. We are going to bring the APC down with your voters’ cards.
“We are taking over the country, no matter what they have taken from us. The pain is enough. The moment we deliver, the pains will be no more. We are here to change the narrative. Women must be ready to fly.”
