Murphy Omoruyi, the last remaining Labour Party (LP) member in Edo State’s House of Representatives, has officially joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), blaming persistent internal crises within his former party and pressure from his constituents.
Omoruyi, who represents the Egor/Ikpoba-Okha Federal Constituency, spoke to journalists in Benin City on Tuesday, saying his decision was driven by growing calls from the grassroots for a change in political direction.
“Our people are crying out. They are under serious pressure. There are no good roads, and the current government has made life difficult for them,” he said. “As a representative of the people, I chose to align with their aspirations. They want a change, and I must stand with them to make that happen.”
He noted that his steadfast loyalty to the Labour Party had earned him the nickname “the last man standing,” but said the deepening and unresolved crises within the party made it impossible for him to remain.
“Despite all efforts, the intractable problems rocking the Labour Party have made my continued stay untenable,” Omoruyi added.
The lawmaker revealed that he submitted his resignation letter to his ward chairman in Egor Local Government Area on December 30, 2025, and it was duly accepted. After defecting to the ADC, he pledged total loyalty to the party’s leadership and its coalition partners, promising to promote good governance and strengthen democratic institutions.
“Together, we will ensure that the voices of ordinary Nigerians are heard and respected,” he said.
Omoruyi maintained that since his election to the National Assembly, he has remained committed to his legislative and oversight responsibilities, stressing that his move to the ADC reflects both the wishes of his constituents and his resolve to deliver meaningful development.
The defection further boosts the ADC’s profile in Edo State ahead of the 2027 general elections and underscores ongoing political realignments within Nigeria’s opposition landscape.