ADC Consolidates South-South as Obedient Movement Makes Strategic Entry in Delta – Oboh

By Sola Adepitan

The South-South political landscape shifted decisively on February 7, as the Delta State chapter of the Obedient Movement formally declared its support for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Asaba.

The declaration sent a clear message across Nigeria’s political space: a new coalition is taking firm root, driven by citizens, reformists, and weakened political structures seeking credibility, relevance, and results.

In a statement, the ADC South-South Zonal Publicity Secretary, Mabel Oboh, described the event as more than a routine defection. She called it “the consolidation of a people-powered political movement gaining unstoppable momentum across Nigeria.”

“The Delta declaration is part of a broader national realignment,” Oboh said. “This is not about political survival; it is about political rebirth. Nigerians are regrouping around a party that listens, includes, and delivers.”

According to her, the ADC has increasingly become a rallying point for reform movements and disillusioned political blocs determined to move Nigeria away from recycled leadership and hollow party platforms.

Prominent Obedient leader, Chris Iyovwaye, said the movement was confident in the ADC’s ideology and organisational strength. “ADC is the home we have been searching for,” he said. “We believe in its values, its structure, and its commitment to people-driven politics. Together, we will rebuild a Nigeria that works.”

The declaration was led by Hon. Onochie Osheokwu, Obedient Movement South-South Zonal Coordinator, alongside Delta State Coordinator, Hon. Emerure Favour. In his acceptance remarks, Osheokwu confirmed that the Obedient Movement was integrating fully into the ADC structure.

The event peaked with the arrival of the Chief Host, former Anambra State Governor, Dr Peter Obi, whose address electrified the gathering. Obi warned that Nigerians are living without sustainable governance, as hunger, poverty, and hardship deepen due to poor leadership and failed policies. He stressed that Nigeria’s problem is not a lack of talent or resources, but leadership failure, urging citizens to reject propaganda politics in favour of competence, discipline, and accountability. He commended the ADC for building a platform where ideas matter more than godfathers.

Welcoming participants, ADC Delta State Chairman, Austin Okoli, described the declaration as a turning point for Delta politics, assuring new members of full inclusion anchored on internal democracy, unity, and grassroots empowerment.
Renowned political economist and ADC national leader, Professor Pat Utomi, said Nigeria’s crisis is fundamentally a values crisis, not a resource one. He described the ADC as a rare opportunity to reset the nation’s political compass around integrity, productivity, and shared prosperity.

ADC National Youth Leader, Balarabe Rufai, described the Obedient Movement as “the most obedient movement in Nigeria,” noting that its decision to join the ADC carries deep political significance. He said the party’s defining strength lies in its DNA of inclusivity and humanity, symbolised by the ADC handshake.

South-South Zonal Youth Leader, Bright Honda, reinforced the need for sustained youth mobilisation, describing the ADC as a platform for active citizenship and inclusive governance.

Representing the national leadership, National Chief Whip, Elder Festus Igbinoba, reaffirmed the commitment of National Chairman, Senator David Mark, to building a broad-based coalition capable of winning elections and governing responsibly. The presence of Dr Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obedient Movement, further underscored the strategic weight of the Delta alignment.

Deputy National Chairman, Senator Andrew Uchendu, formally received the decampees, describing the ADC as the only credible alternative capable of rescuing Nigerians from deepening poverty. He presented the ADC flag to the Obedient Movement and urged them not to let the nation down.

National PWD Leader, Dr Chike Okogwu, highlighted the ADC handshake as a symbol of equality and inclusion, stressing that the alliance guarantees a future in which persons with disabilities are thoroughly carried along toward 2027.
ADC National Woman Leader, Naomi Lasara Abel, welcomed the growing participation of women, describing them as central to building a humane, people-focused political movement.

Oboh concluded that the ADC South-South is rapidly emerging as a decisive national force. “ADC is firmly rooted,” she declared. “The South-South is leading the charge—shifting Nigerian politics from failed old ways to a future that delivers.”

She added that the event was attended by key leaders and stakeholders, including Ken Pela, Lauretta Onochie, Deputy National Youth Leader Hassana Shuaibu Dada, Assistant Secretary INEC Affairs Hon. Musa Bakari, and the full Delta State Executive led by State Publicity Secretary Bishop Obiajulu, State Woman Leader Joy Mena, and Senatorial Woman Leader Faith Okolo—sealing what many now regard as a defining moment in the region’s political journey.