ADC Edo: Mabel Oboh inaugurated as a member of ADC Edo Leadership Team

By Sola Adepitan

The African Democratic Congress (ADC), Edo State Chapter, reached a significant milestone on Monday with the inauguration of its Edo State Leadership Team. This event signifies a critical step toward solidifying the party’s presence not only in Edo State but also within the broader South-South Zone of Nigeria.

Among those inaugurated was Mabel Oboh, who serves as the ADC South-South Zonal Publicity Secretary and was the ADC Edo 2020 governorship candidate. She joins a lineup of esteemed ADC leaders, forming a unified and robust leadership team under the guidance of the ADC National leader, H.E. John Odigie-Oyegun. This strategic leadership team, in collaboration with the state’s existing structure under the state chairman, Kennedy Odion, aims to position the ADC as a credible opposition party as Nigeria gears up for the 2027 general elections.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by high-profile ADC chieftains, including the esteemed National Leader H.E. John Odigie Oyegun, Senators Yisa Braimoh and Ehigie Uzamere, Dr Isaiah Osifo, ADC National Legal Advisor, H.E. Sen. Osunbor Oserheimen, National Chief Whip Festus Igbinoba, and other influential stakeholders within the party.

In his opening remarks, Chief Oyegun emphasised that the inauguration signals the ADC’s commitment to providing a credible political alternative amid Nigeria’s pervasive issues of hunger and deprivation. He described the ADC as a beacon of hope undertaking a rescue mission for the nation.

Oyegun affirmed that the newly established Edo State coalition leadership team is designed to enrich the party’s organisational structure, uniting various factions towards a common goal of dominance in the upcoming elections. He remarked, “ADC is the strongest and fastest-growing political party in Nigeria today, embraced by citizens eager for genuine change.” He further stressed the importance of recognising the party’s identity and the positive impact it aims to bring to Nigerians.

As he unveiled the strategic members of the leadership team, Oyegun declared, “We are demonstrating our preparedness to take on the responsibility of rescuing Nigerians from the depths of poverty and ineffective governance.” He underscored that democracy flourishes only when viable alternatives exist, and the ADC is dedicated to providing the people of Edo State and Nigeria the opportunity to choose their leaders freely.

During his address, Chief Oyegun laid out the expectations for the newly inaugurated leadership team, urging strict adherence to the ADC Constitution and internal operational guidelines. He highlighted that all leadership roles should respect established party procedures, and he tasked the new members with fostering unity and collaboration with the existing state leadership, led by Kennedy Odion.

National Chief Whip Festus Igbinoba praised the ADC leaders in Edo State for their unwavering commitment to the party, encouraging all members to bolster the national leadership’s efforts in fortifying party structures throughout the state. He implored party members to remain resilient and not allow previous political experiences to deter their values or judgment. He noted the ADC’s distinctiveness, emphasising its transparent and accountable internal processes, which set it apart from other political entities.

Senator Yisa Braimoh, one of the newly inaugurated leaders, expressed confidence in the ADC as the only credible opposition party in Nigeria, asserting that by 2027, the ADC would demonstrate its capability to restore Nigeria to a standard that enables it to thrive alongside other nations.

After the inauguration, Mabel Oboh addressed journalists, articulating that the ADC’s mission in Edo State, the South-South Zone, and nationwide transcends traditional politics, framing it as a national rescue mission. “Our objective as a people-centred party is to provide ordinary Nigerians with a genuine platform for meaningful participation in governance. ADC Edo State is pivotal to this vision,” she stated. Oboh added, “ADC represents hope for ordinary Nigerians. Our processes are inclusive, transparent, and aim to engage every stakeholder actively.”

“Moreover, the ADC seeks to unite Nigerians in a collective effort to dismantle oppressive regimes and restore democracy in Nigeria, committing itself to distinct principles that differentiate it from existing political parties”, she added.

Hon. Kennedy Odion, the ADC Edo State Chairman, expressed gratitude in his vote of thanks and characterised the inauguration as a landmark moment in the state’s political landscape. He acknowledged the longstanding challenges faced by Edo State due to ineffective policies over the years. He welcomed the new leadership team to collaborate with the existing state structure, believing this collaboration would forge a stronger and more formidable political force for the ADC moving forward.

The inaugurated members of the leadership team were, H.E. John Odigie Oyegun, H. E. Sen. Oserheimen Osumbor, Sen. Yisa Braimoh, Sen. Roland Owie, Festus Igbinoba, Mabel Oboh, Kennedy Odion, Hon, Festus Osaigbovo, Dr Mrs. Elizabeth Edomwandagbon, Dr Isaiah Osifo, Mrs Yemi Jatto and others