Ex-Minister Ogunkelu joins ADC, rallies support to unseat APC in 2027

By Sola Adepitan

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Lagos State has received a major political boost following the formal defection of Dr. Abimbola Ogunkelu Ashorobi, a former federal minister and ex-member of the PDP Board of Trustees, along with a strong contingent of loyalists from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In a press statement by the ADC Director of Communications in Lagos, Mabel Oboh, the party’s state chairman, George Ashiru, and top executives officially welcomed Ogunkelu and his associates at the ADC secretariat on Thursday.

Ogunkelu’s move to ADC, which had earlier been announced across all 20 local government areas in Lagos, was described as a “strategic shift” expected to swell the party’s grassroots support ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The former minister was accompanied by several political heavyweights, including Retired Captain Tunji Shelle, Chief Muritala Ashorobi, Adeniyi Adams, Alhaji M.M. Ashorobi, Tai Benedict, Joy Nweke, Chief Oshoba, and Dr. Segun Osho—representing a significant bloc of PDP defectors.

Speaking during the visit, Ogunkelu expressed appreciation for the ADC’s warm reception and pledged his commitment to strengthening the party’s chances of defeating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.

“We cherish the ADC leadership, and I assure you that the numerous PDP members who joined with me stand firmly behind the ADC’s vision. We are now one family,” he said.

“Our unity and solidarity will be pivotal in uplifting the citizens of Lagos and tackling poverty across communities.”

In his remarks, ADC Chairman George Ashiru hailed the defection as a clear sign of the party’s growing influence in Lagos. He restated the party’s commitment to inclusivity, pledging 50 percent participation of women and youth in all political processes.

“The ADC is not just a political party; it is a movement,” Ashiru said. “With the dedication of Dr. Ogunkelu and his colleagues, we are optimistic about securing victory in the coming elections.”

Ashiru also promised that the ADC would continue to prioritise transparency, accountability, and grassroots empowerment, noting that the influx of prominent defectors would further energise its mobilisation efforts.

Mabel Oboh, the party’s communications director, stressed that the meeting was a vital step in aligning the new members with the ADC’s strategic direction and strengthening its political framework across the state.

With this latest development, political observers say the ADC is positioning itself as a formidable challenger to both the ruling APC and other opposition parties as Lagos moves closer to the 2027 polls.