Olayinka Braimoh, who ran for governor of Kogi State in 2023 on the Action Alliance ticket, has quietly – but decisively – left that party and joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC). He announced the decision on a Saturday in Kabba, the headquarters of Kabba-Bunu local government. It was a pretty simple statement, but if you listen closely, there’s more to it than just a party card shift. There is impatience, hope and a clear desire to see things done differently in Kogi. Or at least that’s how I read it.
Why he left – and why join ADC
Braimoh says the move is driven by a desire to bring about change in the leadership landscape in Kogi. He presented the decision not as an impulsive leap, but as a step towards a larger goal: to bring together people with the right mindset and try to bring Kogi out of stagnation. He believes the ADC provides that platform – a “bigger and better” space where his vision for the state could really find traction.
He didn’t make big promises. He spoke in practical terms: more like someone who is tired of seeing unused potential. “Kogi State is below average in terms of leadership performance,” he said, highlighting what he sees as a mismatch between available talent and results achieved. This phrase caught my attention because it is simple and, frankly, relevant. Many people say it in different ways: a place is rich in talent but poor in results. It’s a familiar frustration.
Also read: Planning a withdrawal at sixty – Obi Cubana’s next act
Calls for unity – and a little impatience
One of the themes in Braimoh’s remarks is coalition and teamwork. He speaks of “common minds” coming together to tackle problems, including poverty and lack of vision. This language makes it clear that it does not promise change on its own. He asks others to board the ADC “train,” to use his own metaphor. I found this choice of words interesting: trains run together or not at all, and once they leave the station it can be difficult to catch up. There is therefore an implicit urgency. Register early or you’ll be left behind. It may be a bit dramatic, but it is an effective political boost.
You can also hear a hint of frustration in his tone regarding leadership opportunities. He says the best didn’t get the chance to lead. It’s a lament that many politicians make – and yet he associates it with action. He didn’t just complain; he changed course. To me, that adds credibility. It’s one thing to criticize, another to try a different path.
What this could mean for Kogi
Changes like this can be small ripples or the start of larger waves – it depends on how many people follow and whether ADC actually delivers on its promise of being a more effective platform. Braimoh describes the ADC as a coalition made up of competent people and the right type of structure to participate more effectively. But calling a party “bigger and better” is a subjective decision. This might be accurate in this context; it could be a hopeful speech. Politics often lies somewhere between reality and aspirations. I think he’s trying to bridge that gap.
It should be noted that his goal is not just to win a competition. The language he uses – moving “the mountain of poverty and visionless leadership” – suggests an intention for structural change, or at least a long-term initiative. Whether ADC has the resources, organization and reach to change the daily lives of Kogi residents is another question. I’m cautious about such claims – and perhaps I should be too – but I also appreciate leaders who at least aim beyond short-term gains.
Take a closer look
If you listen to Braimoh’s announcement, you’ll hear more than just political language. It’s the tone of someone who has seen the system from the inside and decided to try a different path. This personal element matters. This makes change seem less like a tactical shift and more like a conscious decision shaped by experiences and frustrations. I don’t know him personally, but when politicians talk about the “caliber of people” in a party, they are often referring to the type of people they intend to work with: councilors, local leaders, technocrats. This might make sense if these people were truly committed to reform.
Also read: Davido’s quick blessing – A meeting that meant more than words
At the same time, there is a tiny bit of rhetorical tweaking. Calling ADC a platform where its vision “can be actualized” is fancy political phrasing – not bad, just typical. Yet aside from the polish, there is a touch of sincerity. He calls on the people of Kogi to participate in this effort; it is a call to community rather than individual ambition.
Unanswered but important questions
Several questions remain, and they matter. How will his former party react? Will others follow him to the ADC? What concrete measures will he take within the new party to push for change? He talks broadly about the gaps in vision and leadership, but lacks detail – which is perhaps understandable. Announcements often precede detailed plans. I would like to see a follow-up: broad political lines, grassroots organization, timetables. If he wants to move “mountains,” as he put it, a map and some tools would be helpful.
Even without these details, this decision is remarkable. This reflects active political sorting in Kogi: actors repositioning themselves to match their ambitions and beliefs with the parties they believe can help them achieve those goals. Sometimes it’s cynical. This is often practical. Here, I lean towards the practical: a politician changes course because he thinks another party is better aligned with what he wants to do. And yes, there may be some hope in that.
Final Thought
Party changes are part of political life. They can be signs of opportunism, of course. But they can also be small acts of belief when someone decides that a new environment might allow them to realize their ideas. Braimoh’s move to ADC reads like this mixture: a little impatience, a little hope and a public nudge to other Kogi residents to join the effort. Time will tell if this becomes a ripple or a wave.