Former Edo State Labour Party governorship candidate Olumide Akpata has officially left the Labour Party to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The formal defection took place on Tuesday at the ADC secretariat in Benin, where Akpata received his party membership card from the state chairman, Kennedy Odion.

Several key political figures attended the ceremony, including Peter Obi, a presidential candidate and former governor of Anambra State, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, former APC national chairman and Edo’s first executive governor, and former Edo governor Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor.

Akpata said he joined the ADC to contribute to the party’s vision for Nigeria, especially following Obi’s move to the party on December 31, 2025.

He acknowledged the support of the ‘Obidient Movement’ and expressed his determination to bring positive change through the new platform.

In his remarks, Peter Obi stated that their goal is to create a nation that benefits everyone, not just a few.

He said the country must shift from being a consumer-based economy to a producer-driven one and pledged to continue working toward building a Nigeria that serves all its citizens.

“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.