ADC Emerges as Leading Opposition Party as More Politicians Set to Defect – Kenneth Okonkwo

Legal practitioner and political commentator, Kenneth Okonkwo, has declared the African Democratic Congress (ADC) the leading opposition party in Nigeria, predicting that more politicians will defect to the party ahead of upcoming elections.

Okonkwo made the statement while speaking on Channels TV’s Morning Brief on Friday, noting that the party’s rise comes despite lacking government power or state resources.

Nine Senators Join ADC, Signalling Political Shift

Recent reports indicate that a total of nine senators have defected to the ADC, elevating its status as a formidable minority presence in the National Assembly.

Okonkwo emphasised that the party’s growing appeal stems from a coalition of opposition leaders seeking to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“We’re not APC; we don’t have power to give and we don’t have resources to give. It’s not even within our reach because we are not the ruling power,” he said.

ADC as a Platform for Opposition Unity

The legal practitioner also revealed that he had previously advised opposition figures from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) to unite under a common platform to increase their political effectiveness.

“The truth is that ADC, the African Democratic Congress, is today the leading opposition party,” Okonkwo said, adding that the coalition’s adoption of the ADC platform is aimed at creating a “new Nigeria” and countering what he described as APC’s threat to democracy and public welfare.

He further predicted that more politicians would join the ADC as the political landscape shifts, suggesting that the ruling party could soon face a significant challenge.

“You will see more politicians joining us soon, and APC will soon be history by the grace of God,” he stated.

Political Implications Ahead of Future Elections

Analysts say the ADC’s growth signals a major realignment in Nigeria’s opposition politics, potentially shaping strategies and alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections.