African Heritage Magazine Political Desk
As the momentum for a credible Third Force coalition continues to build, key political actors from across Nigeria’s ideological spectrum are beginning to converge in strategic dialogues. On August 2nd, a significant development unfolded as the African Democratic Congress (ADC)-led coalition initiative drew further national attention. Notably, Hon. (Dr.) Kenneth Gbandi, the prominent Diaspora chieftain of the ADC and former Deputy National Chairman (Diaspora), was specially invited to address a gathering of Labour Party (LP) gubernatorial aspirants from the last Edo State election, a group widely recognized for their bold advocacy and principled stance within the LP structure.
The dialogue session, according to Barrister Efosa Ogieriakhi, spokesperson of the forum, was convened to “understand the emerging coalition dynamics and explore how the group of LP aspirants both at home and in the Diaspora can constructively engage and possibly contribute to a credible and unified front to rescue Nigeria.”
In his address, Hon. Dr. Gbandi expressed appreciation for the invitation, describing the engagement as “a refreshing demonstration of political maturity, patriotism, and genuine interest in the future of Nigeria.” He responded candidly to concerns about the structure and intentions of the ADC-led coalition on a personal capacity and not as a spokesperson for ADC, dispelling notions that it was a political SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle) for any single aspirant or party. “This coalition is not about individuals,” Dr. Gbandi emphasized. “It is about assembling a critical mass of patriots progressives from all sides who are committed to rescuing Nigeria through a deliberate, inclusive, and transparent process. We must all be willing to sacrifice ego and partisan considerations for a national rebirth.”
The Diaspora leader called for intentional and sustained engagement across party lines, stressing the importance of trust, dialogue, and shared ownership of the coalition-building process. He aligned with the LP aspirants’ insistence on broad-based input and continuous strategic meetings involving credible actors to develop a win-win roadmap for Nigeria.
The LP Edo aspirants, who had previously made headlines on January 25, 2024, when they publicly challenged the party’s nomination fees, continue to assert themselves as the conscience of the Labour Party in Edo State. Their advocacy for internal reform and grassroots inclusion positioned them as a force for integrity within the political landscape. The aspirants included:
- Efosa Ogieriakhi
- Michael Oshiobugie
- Hon. Lucky Obiyan
- Dr. Loretta Oduwa Ogbor-Okor
- Stephen Ogbemudia Osemwengie
- Paul Obazele
- Dr. Aruna Braimoh Denzel
- Dr. Okhaimon Matthews
- Engr. Morrison Eghobamien
- Barr. Olumide Osaigbovo Akpata
- Kingsley Ulinfun
- Ehizojie Ohiowele
- Dr. Osezua Ehiyamen
- Azemhe Azena
- Ihueghian Guobadia
- Ernest Abegbe
- Princess Asha Emily Okojie-Odigie
- Ogbemudia Bassey Osagie
The dialogue with the ADC prominent Diaspora chieftain underscores the growing awareness across political divides that Nigeria’s salvation may lie not in partisan isolation, but in courageous and visionary collaboration.
As the ADC-led coalition prepares for its next phase, these kinds of engagements signal a potential realignment in Nigeria’s political architecture one in which ideology, integrity, and innovation may finally trump tribalism, tokenism, and transactional politics.
African Heritage Magazine Political Desk Special Report; 03 August 2025 | Abuja, Nigeria For comments and submissions, contact: info@africanheritagemagazine.de
