A wave of high-profile defections swept through the Ekiti political landscape on Friday as key figures from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), and Labour Party (LP) officially declared allegiance to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Bellnews reports that the event, which took place in Ado-Ekiti, saw the formal unveiling of the party’s new structure in the state, drawing together former deputy governors, commissioners, lawmakers, and political heavyweights from across party lines.
Among the most notable defectors were Olusola Eleka, former Deputy Governor under Governor Ayodele Fayose, and Boyega Aribisogan, a one-time Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly.
Others include Tae Lawal, who served as Deputy Governor to Segun Oni, and Ambassador Dare Bejide, a former Secretary to the State Government.
Also present was Akin Omole, who once served as Commissioner for Information under Governor Kayode Fayemi, alongside several local government appointees and executives from various political parties.
Addressing the crowd during the unveiling, Eleka dismissed scepticism about the ADC’s momentum, insisting the movement was rooted in reality.
He said, “Contrary to opinions, we are not pursuing shadows. We are indeed pursuing reality, and we are going places. ADC has come to stay, whether they like it or not.”
The Ekiti State Chairman of the ADC, Omolayo Omole, described the party as the “solution to Nigeria’s numerous challenges.” He called on political leaders across party lines to rally behind the ADC’s “rescue mission.”
“What we are witnessing today is a historic merger of progressive minds. ADC is not just a party; it is a platform for national rebirth,” he said.
Representing former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, Bayo Fakunle affirmed support for the new coalition and emphasised its momentum.
“The ADC has come to change the narrative. Nothing can stop a moving train,” he declared.