APC has become money-driven — Akinyelure, Edema declare after defection

Two candidates of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ondo State, former Senator Ayo Akinyelure and Gbenga Edema, have explained why they dumped the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing the ruling party of poor leadership, lack of recognition and monetisation of political appointments.

Akinyelure, who represented Ondo Central Senatorial District in the Seventh and Ninth Senate, said his decision to join ADC was informed by the need to belong to a disciplined and organised political platform ahead of the next general election.

The former lawmaker said despite spending three years in the APC, he was allegedly sidelined and denied recognition within the party structure.

According to him, politics should not be driven solely by money and influence, stressing that credibility and service record should remain central in leadership selection.

He said “I decided to join the ADC because they are well organised. Winning elections is about getting the right platform, not where there is a multiplicity of candidates depending only on money and not credibility,” he said.

Akinyelure lamented that he was not recognised at meetings both at the local and state levels despite his status as a former senator, adding that the situation convinced him to seek another political platform.

He described ADC as a disciplined party with clear leadership structure, noting that the party leaders unanimously handed him the ticket based on his experience and credibility.

Speaking on his chances at the poll, the former senator said victory ultimately belongs to God but expressed confidence in his electoral strength.

He maintained that his stewardship record and past representation of Ondo Central would work in his favour if the election is free and fair.

“Those who voted for me before will still vote for me today. Provided INEC conducts a free and fair election, my chances are very high,” he added.

Similarly, Edema, who was the governorship candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in the last election, said he left APC after becoming disillusioned with what he described as the commercialisation of political offices within the party.

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The ADC House of Representatives candidate said political appointments and opportunities in APC were allegedly being awarded to the highest bidders rather than loyal party members who worked for electoral victories.

According to him, some persons demanded huge sums of money from him before he could secure appointments, a development he said contradicts genuine public service.

“When you don’t reward effort and excellence, but commercialise political positions, that is the beginning of corruption,” he stated.

Edema said he later joined the NNPP to pursue his political ambition but became disappointed after the party leadership allegedly withdrew support for his legal challenge against the outcome of the Ondo governorship election.

He explained that ADC offered him a fresh opportunity to work with like-minded politicians committed to purposeful leadership and service delivery.

The politician said his decision to contest for the House of Representatives after previously running for governor was borne out of his desire to continue serving the people.

According to him, public service should not be driven by ego but by commitment to the welfare of the people.

“If I truly want to serve my people, I must drop my ego. Service is not about title or position, but about impacting lives. I must listen to the voice of my people that said I should come, that is why I’m contesting at this moment,” Edema said.

He expressed confidence in the ADC’s growing popularity and said he would combine hard work with faith ahead of the election.