BENIN CITY, EDO – Former Senate Chief Whip, Sir Rowland Owie, and several key political stakeholders have formally resigned from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to join the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
The mass departure on Wednesday included founding member Sunny Aguebor and other influential party leaders, marking a major shift in the state’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
Allegations of Party Hijacking
The group cited the “hijacking” of the Edo State party structure as the primary reason for their exit. Sir Rowland Owie accused former Governor John Odigie-Oyegun of improperly constituting the party leadership in the state. He further alleged that the ADC has been pre-allocating electoral tickets to individuals who are not yet even members of the party.
Owie described the internal situation as confusing and inconsistent, claiming that the lack of credibility has made it impossible for genuine members to remain. “Dissatisfaction has reached a peak,” Owie stated, adding that the move was necessary to find a platform that respects its foundation members.
NDC as a Stable Alternative
Sunny Aguebor noted that the NDC offers a more stable and legally secure platform. He argued that the ADC has become too entangled in national-level crises and legal disputes to be a viable vehicle for the next election cycle. According to the defectors, the NDC provides the “legally unburdened” environment needed for progressive service.
ADC Response
The leadership of the ADC in Edo State has dismissed the significance of the resignations. In a brief statement, the party insisted it remains focused on its internal primaries and general preparations for 2027, maintaining that the exit of the Owie-led group would not deter its momentum.
