A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, John Odigie-Oyegun, has expressed concern over the increasing trend of defections, resignations and party switching among political leaders, describing the development as a reflection of deeper problems within Nigeria’s political system.

Speaking in Benin, Edo State, on Sunday, the former governor said the frequent movement of politicians from one party to another following disagreements raises questions about the commitment of the country’s political class to national development and the welfare of citizens.

Odigie-Oyegun noted that the growing rate at which political leaders abandon their parties suggests that fundamental issues remain unresolved within the nation’s democratic structure.

According to him, the conduct of many politicians does not reflect a genuine desire to address the challenges confronting Nigerians, including economic hardship and insecurity.

He argued that if political actors were truly focused on rescuing the country and improving the lives of citizens, much of the political realignment currently unfolding ahead of the 2027 general elections would not be taking place.

The ADC stalwart said the political class appeared disconnected from the realities facing ordinary Nigerians, adding that its actions often fail to demonstrate a sincere commitment to national progress.

“If political leaders were genuinely driven by the desire to rescue the nation, many of the developments we are witnessing as preparations for the 2027 elections gather pace would not have emerged,” he said.

He maintained that efforts should be directed towards tackling pressing national issues rather than engaging in political manoeuvres that do little to improve the lives of the people.

Odigie-Oyegun also urged opposition figures across the country to reflect on their motivations and determine whether their actions are truly aimed at alleviating the suffering of Nigerians.

He stressed the need for opposition leaders to remain focused on providing solutions to the country’s challenges instead of pursuing narrow political ambitions.

Despite his concerns, the former governor expressed confidence in the prospects of the opposition, stating that a level playing field and strong institutions could create the conditions necessary for a change in political leadership.

He added that the opposition remains capable of challenging the ruling party successfully if the electoral process and state institutions operate fairly and transparently.

Former Ogun Central senator and daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Iyabo Obasanjo, has resigned her membership of the All Progressives Congress, APC, alleging sustained marginalisation, rejection and unfair treatment by the party leadership in Ogun State.

Obasanjo, who recently sought the APC governorship ticket in Ogun State, announced her decision in a resignation letter dated May 31 and addressed to the state party chairman, Yemi Sanusi.

The US-based epidemiologist and former lawmaker criticised the process that produced Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, as the party’s governorship candidate, arguing that the consensus arrangement did not align with the APC’s established guidelines.

According to her, while she had agreed to support any candidate that emerged through a consensus process, she was neither consulted nor involved before Adeola was eventually announced as the party’s preferred candidate.

She further alleged that some of her supporters were denied access to the venue where the candidate was unveiled and were subjected to intimidation during the exercise.

Despite her concerns, Obasanjo said she accepted the outcome in the interest of party unity and immediately congratulated Adeola following his emergence as the candidate.

She disclosed that the senator later requested a meeting with her supporters, during which they presented three demands. However, she claimed that despite a promise to respond within a week, no feedback had been received more than two months later.

The former senator said the development reinforced what she described as a recurring pattern of disregard and lack of appreciation for her role within the party.

“I committed myself to supporting any candidate that emerged through a consensus arrangement, but I was not consulted before Senator Adeola was announced. Some of my supporters were denied entry to the venue and intimidated. Nevertheless, I accepted the decision in the interest of unity and publicly congratulated him that same night,” she stated.

She added that although Adeola later met with her supporters and promised to address issues raised during the meeting, no response had been forthcoming.

According to Obasanjo, the treatment she received after the primary reflected persistent rejection and disrespect, which ultimately influenced her decision to leave the party.

She, however, expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, the Ogun APC leadership and party stakeholders for the support and courtesies extended to her during her time in the APC.

Obasanjo returned to partisan politics earlier this year when she registered as an APC member in Ward 11, Ibogun, in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State.

She previously served as Ogun State Commissioner for Health between 2003 and 2007 before representing Ogun Central Senatorial District in the Senate from 2007 to 2011.

Following her unsuccessful re-election bid in 2011, she relocated to the United States and largely stayed away from active politics until late 2025, when campaign billboards bearing her image appeared across parts of Ogun State, signalling a possible return ahead of the 2027 governorship race.

She subsequently declared her ambition to contest the Ogun governorship election on the platform of the APC before eventually announcing her resignation from the party.