An aspirant for the Kogi State House of Assembly in Yagba West Constituency, Dr. Toyosi Akure, has defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), saying the move was informed by principle and the need to pursue his ambition on a more credible platform.
Akure disclosed this on Sunday during an online interaction with newsmen, where he confirmed that he formally resigned his membership of the APC on March 23, 2026 after what he described as “deep reflection and wide consultations.”
According to him, his decision to leave the APC at this time was necessitated by developments within the party which, in his view, made it difficult to pursue a fair and transparent political process. He explained that politics, for him, should be about service and impact rather than mere structure.
“I have formally resigned my membership of the APC and joined the ADC. This decision was not taken lightly. It is a product of careful consideration and consultations with stakeholders and supporters across Yagba West,” he said.
Responding to concerns that his defection could be seen as a political gamble, Akure dismissed such claims, describing the move as a calculated and necessary step towards ensuring quality representation for his constituents. He expressed confidence in his support base, noting that meaningful decisions often require courage and conviction.
He said his choice of the ADC was deliberate, adding that the party’s commitment to internal democracy and inclusiveness influenced his decision. According to him, the ADC provides a platform that aligns with his vision for grassroots development and participatory governance.
“The ADC stands for a new direction. It is a party that prioritises the people and gives room for credible individuals to thrive. That is the kind of platform I need to actualise my vision for Yagba West,” he added.
Akure further stated that his candidacy would usher in a new style of leadership anchored on listening, engagement, and delivery. He assured constituents that his campaign would focus on critical areas such as education, job creation, rural development, and policies that directly impact the lives of the people.
“The people of Yagba West should expect responsive and responsible representation. My goal is to ensure that governance is felt at the grassroots and that our people are not left behind,” he said.
While reflecting on his time in the APC, Akure expressed gratitude to party members for the relationships and experiences he gained, stressing that his decision to leave was not borne out of personal grievances.
“I remain grateful for my time in the APC. This is not about individuals; it is about the future and how best to serve our people,” he said.
On his preparedness for the political contest ahead, Akure affirmed that he and his team were fully ready, noting that they had put structures in place and developed a clear roadmap for the electioneering process. He added that the trust and support of the people remained his greatest strength.
Akure also called on political stakeholders in Yagba West to embrace issue-based politics and shun divisive tendencies that could hinder development in the area.
He emphasised that his ambition transcends winning an election, adding that it is about building a legacy of sustainable growth and inclusive governance for the constituency.
