The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ogun East Senatorial District has dismissed reports that thousands of its members and leaders have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the development as political theatrics aimed at portraying the opposition party as weakened.
The reaction followed a claim attributed to Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, that thousands of former members and leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and ADC from the nine local government areas in Ogun East had joined the APC.
The alleged defectors were reportedly presented during a political reception held in Ijebu-Ode.
However, the ADC, in a statement signed by its Ogun State Publicity Secretary, Hon. Olumide Onabajo, QCA, said it did not recognise the individuals presented as members who had defected from its ranks.
The party insisted that its structures across Ogun East remain intact, with its leaders and members focused on strengthening the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The ADC in Ogun East does not recognise the individuals being presented as members of our party who have allegedly defected to the APC,” the statement said.
According to the opposition party, merely attending a political reception does not constitute evidence of mass defection, particularly when the individuals involved are not recognised by the established leadership and structures of the ADC.
The party accused the APC of using what it described as familiar political tactics to create the impression that opposition parties are collapsing by organising receptions and parading individuals as defectors.
The ADC subsequently challenged the APC and organisers of the reported defection to publish details of those allegedly involved.
“If indeed thousands of ADC members and leaders have defected, the people of Ogun State deserve to know their names, wards, positions and the legitimate party structures from which they allegedly defected,” the party stated, insisting that political propaganda should not replace facts.
The ADC listed Ijebu East, Ijebu North, Ijebu North East, Ijebu-Ode, Odogbolu, Ogun Waterside, Remo North and Sagamu, among other areas, as locations where it said its grassroots structures remain active.
The party said it would not be distracted by what it described as political theatrics, adding that it would continue to strengthen its grassroots network and engage directly with voters across Ogun State.
It also urged residents of Ogun East to disregard what it called attempts to create the impression that the ADC had been abandoned or weakened by its members.
The party concluded with a strong declaration of confidence, stating that the ADC remains organised, active and a formidable political force in Ogun East.
The development comes amid growing political realignment in Ogun State ahead of the 2027 elections, with the APC and opposition parties stepping up efforts to consolidate their grassroots support across the state.