By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Olumayowa Akogun-Abudu and ADC |
Ojo, Lagos – Hon. Abudu Akinlola Olumayowa, the former Labour Party (LP) chairmanship candidate for Ojo Local Government Area, has officially defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The move, which he describes as a strategic relocation of his core ideals, signals a potential upheaval in the local political calculus ahead of future elections.
The formal defection ceremony occurred on Monday, where Olumayowa, accompanied by hundreds of his supporters and LP members from Ojo, was received by the Lagos State Chairman of the ADC, Mr. George Ashiru. The event marks one of the most notable political crossovers in the area recently, underscoring growing internal discontent within some factions of the Labour Party in Lagos State.
In a detailed press statement directed at stakeholders, party leaders, and supporters, Olumayowa framed his exit not as a product of personal grievance but as a principled stand. He asserted that his departure stems from a fundamental "crisis of values" within his former party. "The ideals that brought us into politics were not defeated; they were betrayed," he stated, emphasizing that his conscience compelled the search for a new platform that aligns with his original political vision.
Elaborating on his political philosophy, the former candidate stressed that his journey has consistently been anchored on advocacy for the marginalized, the restoration of dignity to public service, and opposition to systemic injustice. He assured his followers that these core convictions remain unshaken and have now discovered a "renewed expression" within the framework of the ADC, a party he hailed for its "conviction and courage."
Olumayowa positioned the ADC not as a mere alternative but as a viable home for progressive politics. He described it as "a rallying point for those committed to internal democracy, earned leadership, and people-centred governance," contrasting it with what he implied were the failings of his previous affiliation. He directly addressed the electorate of Ojo, arguing they deserve representatives who prioritize service and listening over authoritarian imposition.
Striking a tone of optimistic mobilization rather than rancor, Olumayowa declared that the new movement in Ojo is built on "hope and belief, not anger or bitterness." He called on his supporters and sympathetic stakeholders to prioritize consistency over comfort, urging them to help build the Ojo ADC into a "model of unity, discipline, and courage." He concluded with a rallying cry, reaffirming his commitment to public service driven solely by purpose and the collective progress of Ojo, Lagos State, and Nigeria.
Political analysts suggest this defection could substantially alter the balance of power in Ojo Local Government. By moving his entire political structure to the ADC, Olumayowa not only weakens the LP's grassroots base in the area but also instantly bolsters the ADC's visibility and competitiveness. The coming months will reveal how this strategic jump reshapes campaigning and voter alignment in the local government area.