Former LP Campaign DG Osuntokun Quits Party Confirms Move To ADC

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Nigeria’s opposition politics witnessed another major shift following the resignation of respected political strategist Akin Osuntokun from the Labour Party (LP). The former Director-General of the party’s presidential campaign organisation has now formally aligned himself with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), signalling growing momentum within the opposition landscape ahead of future elections.

Speaking in Lagos after confirming his decision, Osuntokun linked his departure to prolonged instability inside the Labour Party. He explained that internal disagreements and unresolved leadership disputes had created an atmosphere that no longer reflected the ideals that originally attracted him to the platform.

According to him, the current direction of the party sharply contrasts with its founding vision. He argued that individuals steering the organisation had shifted away from principled politics, accusing influential figures of weakening democratic values through actions he described as counterproductive to national progress.

At one point during his remarks, Osuntokun criticised what he portrayed as the commercialisation of party structures. In his assessment, political platforms should serve national development rather than personal bargaining interests, warning that such tendencies discourage genuine reform-minded actors.

Exit Linked to Wider Political Migration

Another factor that shaped his decision was the earlier withdrawal of political allies who entered the Labour Party alongside him. Osuntokun revealed that the departure of associates connected to Peter Obi’s political movement effectively marked the end of his own stay in the party.

He suggested that once that political bloc exited, remaining within the organisation became difficult to justify. In his view, the party has gradually been redirected toward purposes inconsistent with broader national aspirations.

The former LP chieftain also referenced the unresolved leadership struggle within the party. Although a court ruling recognised Senator Nenadi Usman as national chairman while nullifying the Julius Abure-led executive, the announcement of an appeal has prolonged uncertainty, leaving the party’s future direction unclear.

Why ADC Became His Preferred Destination

Osuntokun described his move to the African Democratic Congress as both strategic and ideological. He said the decision was guided by a belief that Nigeria’s democracy requires a strong opposition capable of preventing political dominance by a single party.

Rather than portraying the transition as a new beginning, he framed it as a return to familiar ground. He recalled his early involvement in the formation of the ADC, noting that his relationship with the party dates back to political movements that evolved from the Coalition for Nigerian Movement championed by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

He further disclosed that although the decision to defect had already been made, discussions with former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi helped hasten the formal transition.

Growing Coalition Around the ADC

Recent developments suggest that Osuntokun’s defection is part of a broader political recalibration among opposition figures. Several prominent politicians have increasingly gravitated toward the ADC as preparations quietly begin for the 2027 general elections.

Among notable personalities associated with the emerging coalition are former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark, ex-Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi. Their convergence on a single platform is widely interpreted as an attempt to consolidate opposition strength against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Commentary & Political Analysis

Osuntokun’s departure underscores a recurring pattern in Nigerian politics where internal party crises often trigger broader realignments. Political parties, particularly opposition platforms, frequently struggle to balance grassroots enthusiasm with institutional cohesion.

His criticism of transactional politics highlights a deeper concern among reform-oriented politicians: the fear that ideological movements can lose direction once internal power struggles overshadow policy objectives.

The growing attraction toward the ADC may indicate an attempt by opposition leaders to avoid fragmentation that weakened previous electoral efforts. If the party successfully integrates diverse political tendencies, it could emerge as a significant challenger in the next election cycle.

However, history shows that coalition politics in Nigeria succeeds only when transparency, shared leadership, and collective strategy replace personal ambition. Whether the ADC can maintain unity among strong political figures remains a key question shaping the road to 2027.