Former governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2024 Edo State election, Olumide Akpata, has defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Akpata formally joined the ADC on Tuesday at the party’s secretariat in Benin City, where he was received by party leaders and supporters.

The Edo State Chairman of the ADC, Kennedy Odion, presented him with the party’s membership card in the presence of prominent figures, including LP’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and former Edo State governors, John Oyegun and Oserheimen Osunbor.

Akpata, a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), attributed his decision to Obi’s political ideology and leadership style.

Speaking at the event, Obi reiterated his commitment to building what he described as a “new Nigeria,” insisting that the country must work for all citizens rather than a privileged few.

“Our commitment to a new Nigeria is total, even though efforts are being made to frustrate it,” Obi said.

He further stressed the need for Nigeria to shift from a consumption-driven economy to a production-based economy to achieve sustainable development.