The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Edo State has vowed to challenge Governor Monday Okpebholo’s reported promise to deliver 2.5 million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 elections.
Party leaders made the declaration during a meeting of the ADC in Edo South Senatorial District, where former Senate Chief Whip, Sir Rowland Owie, was endorsed as the party’s leader in the district.
Speaking at the meeting, Edo South ADC Chairman Iyare Bernard said the party was working to strengthen its structure in the state with the aim of defeating the ruling party in future elections. He stated that the district, which accounts for more than half of the state’s voting population, would play a decisive role.
Bernard said the ADC would mobilise voters in Edo South and make it difficult for the governor and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to achieve their projected vote target for the president in the district.
In his remarks, Owie said the ADC was prepared to provide alternative leadership in Nigeria, adding that the party intended to model some of its policies after those of the former Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), which governed the old Bendel State.
He referenced UPN-era programmes such as free education, healthcare services, employment initiatives, and rural development, arguing that similar policies could still be implemented today.
Owie also expressed confidence in the party’s national leadership and said the ADC would position itself as a viable platform ahead of the next general elections.
The meeting drew representatives from the seven local government areas in Edo South Senatorial District and was attended by several party members, including Nosa Ehima and Douglas Iyike Ekundayo Ogbonmwan.
