By joshua 
Defection Wave Boosts ADC In Edo, Odion Targets Esan Seat Over Poor Representation
By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin city
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has recorded a major boost in Edo State following a wave of defections from rival political parties, as House of Assembly hopeful, Engr. Barnabas Odion, declared his intention to contest the Esan South East Constituency seat.
Odion, who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said his decision to join the ADC and vie for the state assembly was driven by years of neglect and poor representation in the constituency.
He made the declaration at Ewohimi in Esan South East Local Government Area during a reception organised by the party leadership to welcome defectors from the All Progressives Congress (APC), PDP and Labour Party (LP).
According to him, the people of Esan South East have endured hardship arising from inadequate infrastructure and ineffective representation, stressing that his ambition is anchored on reversing the trend.
“We have witnessed immense suffering in our constituency. Esan South East has been neglected in terms of infrastructure and quality representation,” Odion said.
“I am offering myself as a vehicle for positive change, to improve the political and developmental fortunes of our people,” he added.
The declaration came amid a significant influx of defectors into the ADC, in what party leaders described as a turning point in Edo’s political landscape.
State chairman of the party, Tony Alile, said the growing number of new entrants reflects widespread dissatisfaction with the current system and signals a shift in grassroots political alignment.
“This is an organic movement. The people came out willingly, and even those who heard about the event joined. It shows clearly how Nigerians feel about the prevailing hardship,” Alile stated.
He expressed optimism about the party’s chances in future elections, particularly in Esan land, insisting that the ADC has become a credible alternative platform.
Also speaking, party leader and former governorship aspirant, Kenneth Imansuagbon, described the mass defection as a people-driven revolt against entrenched political structures.
“Edo people have spoken loudly that power belongs to them. They are tired of insecurity, hunger and unemployment, and are ready to embrace a platform that offers hope,” he said.
The event also featured the unveiling of other aspirants from Ward 2, with party leaders reaffirming their commitment to expanding the ADC’s influence across the state ahead of future electoral contests.