Fresh political developments in Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area of Lagos State indicate a significant shift in the balance of power, with the National Democratic Coalition (NDC) poised to emerge as the opposition force against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), rather than the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Multiple sources within the local political landscape reveal that a wave of high-profile defections from the ADC and other fringe parties is expected to commence from Monday, May 5, signaling the beginning of a broader realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The unfolding scenario points to a gradual but strategic collapse of ADC structures in the area, as key stakeholders and grassroots mobilisers reportedly align with the NDC. Political observers describe the development to be a major shift capable of reshaping the dynamics of party competition within the constituency.
Insiders suggest that the movement is being driven by internal disagreements within the ADC, as well as growing confidence in the NDC’s capacity to consolidate opposition strength and present a formidable challenge to the APC’s dominance in Ajeromi-Ifelodun.
While official confirmations from party leaderships remain limited, the anticipated crossovers are expected to redefine alliances and influence electoral calculations in the build-up to the next election cycle.A key caucus leader, Sikiru Lawal of the Ariwoko bloc, however has insisted that his group remains within the ADC but raised serious concerns over what he described as “mischievous politics” within the ADC party’s local leadership. He alleged that some leaders in Ajeromi-Ifelodun deliberately listed his name as an executive member in Apapa Local Government to evade accountability and silence internal questioning. Lawal challenged the move, asking pointedly whether Apapa is where he practices his politics, while urging party members not to defect but to address internal issues transparently.
Despite such resistance, multiple sources within the party confirmed that several influential blocs are already preparing to exit. Among those reportedly named as considering defection is Momoh, a prominent leader of the South-South group within the local chapter.
At the apex level, Prince Okafor, identified as a leading figure within the ADC structure in Ajeromi-Ifelodun, is also said to be part of ongoing transition arrangements, further reinforcing claims that the party’s foundation in the area is weakening.
Heightening the situation, Hon. Francis Bartholomew Chima is reportedly said to have intensified efforts to coordinate a mass movement of loyalists. He was observed compiling lists of members expected to follow him, with particular focus on individuals who moved with him from the Labour Party to the ADC, as well as other committed grassroots mobilisers.
Uncertainty, however, surrounds the political position of Dr. Emilia Ezeude, a state-recognized ADC leader. Her prolonged absence from Ajeromi-Ifelodun political activities—reportedly since last year—has fueled speculation about whether she remains aligned with the ADC locally or is part of the shifting coalition towards the NDC.
Meanwhile, the Ajeromi-Ifelodun ADC chairman, Patrick Mmadu, was recently sighted in the company of Chief Francis, popularly known as Omobarka. Party insiders suggest that Mmadu may also be preparing for a strategic move, pending any last-minute directive from state-level leadership.
These local developments mirror broader national realignments. The NDC is said to be intensifying political manoeuvring ahead of 2027, including reported moves to field a joint presidential ticket involving Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. Supporters of both figures have reportedly launched a joint mobilisation platform, the “OK Movement,” aimed at building a formidable opposition alliance across states and geopolitical zones.
The unfolding scenario comes amid persistent leadership disputes within the ADC at the national level, with a crucial case still pending before the Supreme Court following reserved judgment on factional claims.
Further tightening the political timeline, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed May 30, 2026, as the deadline for political parties to submit membership registers and conclude candidate nominations for the 2027 general elections.
Additionally, reports from national ADC circles indicate that key figures, including Obi, Kwankwaso, and other prominent leaders, may be considering a wholesale structural migration into the NDC, an outcome that, if realized, could reshape both the party’s future and the political landscape in Ajeromi-Ifelodun.
