A governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Gbenga Edema, and a former Senator, Ayo Akinyelure have explained that they left the party to seek political relevance and contest the 2027 elections under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) platform.

Akinyelure has clinched the ADC’s ticket to contest the Ondo Central senatorial district election while Edema got the ticket of the party to contest the Ilaje/Ese-Odo federal constituency election.

The contestants attributed their decision to dump APC for the ADC to what they described as a lack of recognition, poor leadership structure, and the growing influence of money politics in their former parties.

Akinyelure, who represented Ondo Central in both the Seventh and Ninth Senate, said his decision to leave the APC came after years of frustration despite his contributions to the party.

According to him, politics should be driven by credibility, experience, and service rather than financial influence and internal intimidation. He said: “I have contested elections twice in Ondo Central and won.

“Yet in APC, I was not recognised at the local government level or even at the state level. “I value recognition as a politician.” The former senator accused the ruling party of lacking coordination and discipline, claiming that internal divisions and disrespect for experienced politicians had weakened the party’s structure.

“In APC today, everybody wants to be a leader. There is no organisation and no proper leadership. “I needed a platform built on discipline and credibility, and that is why I joined ADC,” he said.

He disclosed that ADC leaders unanimously handed him the senatorial ticket based on his political experience and previous stewardship in office.