Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor Appointed Legal Adviser To African Democratic Congress.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has appointed Professor Oserheimen Osunbor, former Governor of Edo State, as its new Legal Adviser, marking a significant addition to the party’s leadership. The announcement, made on 29 July 2025 in Abuja, underscores the ADC’s efforts to strengthen its structure ahead of the 2027 elections, leveraging Osunbor’s extensive legal and political expertise to advance its multi-party democratic vision.
Osunbor, a distinguished professor of law and two-term senator for Edo Central from 1999 to 2007, brings a wealth of experience to the role. His brief tenure as Edo State Governor from 2007 to 2008, though cut short by a court ruling, was noted for significant infrastructure development, including road construction and school rehabilitation. His appointment follows his recent defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the ADC, alongside Air Marshal (retd.) Saddique Abubakar, former Chief of Air Staff, at the party’s coalition launch in Abuja on 2 July 2025. Osunbor’s move was driven by his dissatisfaction with Nigeria’s governance, as he expressed during an ADC stakeholders’ meeting in Benin City, where he advocated for a coalition to ensure robust multi-party democracy.
The ADC, positioning itself as a credible alternative to Nigeria’s dominant parties, highlighted Osunbor’s legal acumen and political stature as key to navigating the complex electoral landscape. At the Benin City meeting, Osunbor apologised for past political missteps, rallying supporters with a commitment to rectify previous failures and deliver effective governance. “We are back to the struggle, and we know what we are doing,” he declared, emphasizing the ADC’s mission to address Nigeria’s challenges through inclusive leadership.
Party stakeholders, including Senators Roland Owie and Ehigie Uzamere, praised Osunbor’s appointment, citing his integrity and track record. As Legal Adviser, Osunbor is expected to guide the ADC through legal frameworks, ensuring compliance with electoral laws and bolstering the party’s credibility. His academic background, including a First Class Honours Bachelor of Laws from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and his tenure as a professor at Lagos State University, equips him to handle the party’s legal strategy effectively.
The appointment comes at a pivotal time as the ADC intensifies membership registration and revalidation efforts in Edo State, aiming to consolidate its base ahead of the 2025 polls. Osunbor’s deep ties to Edo, where he is celebrated for his 18-month governorship that transformed infrastructure, position him as a unifying figure for the party’s regional ambitions. Supporters view his role as a catalyst for mobilizing grassroots support and challenging the political status quo.
As Nigeria grapples with governance challenges, Osunbor’s appointment signals the ADC’s intent to offer a fresh perspective. With his legal expertise and political experience, the former governor is poised to play a central role in shaping the party’s future, inspiring hope among members for a stronger, more inclusive democratic process.
