Ready: Ex-Edo Gov Osunbor Shrugs Off Party Crisis Ahead of 2027 Polls

By Omoyeni Ojeifo

In spite of fresh cracks within Nigeria’s opposition space, court rulings, leadership disputes and defections, a chieftain of African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Edo State governor, Oserheimen Osunbor says the party remains stable ahead of 2027 polls.

Prof. Osunbor said the party stands firm despite mounting legal and political pressures.

In an interview on ChannelsTv monitored by Persecondnews on Friday, Osunbor traced his exit from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to what he described as systemic failures within the ruling party, particularly a lack of internal democracy and disregard for due process.

“If someone you are associating with is not doing well, you can decide to leave. The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees freedom of association and that exactly is what happened with APC,” he said.

He launched a broader critique of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, arguing that economic reforms have not improved the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

“The primary purpose of government is the welfare and security of the people. What is the point taking pride in economic policies when they impact negatively on citizens?”

Osunbor added that headline reforms such as subsidy removal and exchange rate unification have failed to deliver promised relief.

“You may beat your chest that you are doing well in the economy, but if it is not reflected in the well-being and standard of living of the people, then you are just bragging in a vacuum,” he said.

On democratic governance, the ADC chieftain raised concerns about institutional independence and alleged attempts to weaken opposition parties.

Citing a viral social media video, he pointed to what he described as external interference in party affairs involving a lawmaker.

“We saw a video of the Chief of Staff to the President telling Leke Abejide to remain in ADC, fight them, scatter them. Don’t come to APC,” Osunbor claimed, suggesting the lawmaker was being used to destabilise the party from within.

Turning to the internal crisis within the ADC, he downplayed the impact of ongoing litigations and leadership disputes, describing them as politically motivated and lacking merit.

He pointed to the recognition of David Mark in the party’s leadership structure as a stabilising factor, despite earlier uncertainties involving the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

He also dismissed concerns over defections, maintaining that the party is experiencing a net gain in membership.

Addressing criticisms that the ADC is made up of recycled or failed politicians, Osunbor pushed back strongly.

“Name anybody in ADC who is as bad, who is as corrupt. If you tell me one bad person in ADC, I can show you ten in APC, there is no perfection in this world but even if we are bad, we are not as bad as APC.”

Despite his confidence, the ADC and the broader opposition still faces a steep path.

With court cases unresolved, internal cohesion under strain and questions over electoral readiness lingering, the coming months will be critical in determining whether it can evolve into a credible alternative to the ruling party in 2027.