22 hours ago
3
Prominent politicians in Delta State have defected from the Labour Party, LP, to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in a move aimed at challenging the entrenched ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and reshaping the political narrative in the state.
Among the defectors were the LP’s 2023 gubernatorial candidate, Deacon Kawhariebie Ken Pela, as well as National Assembly, State House of Assembly, and local government candidates.
The defection ceremony, held in Asaba, attracted a large and enthusiastic crowd from across the state. The move followed a similar development at the national level, with the LP’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, recently defecting to the ADC in Enugu.
Receiving the defectors, Elder Festus Igbinoba, ADC National Chief Whip, who represented the party’s National Chairman, David Mark, said Ken Pela’s move to the ADC signalled a broader trend of principled leaders aligning with the party.
“This is a convergence of values. The ADC continues to attract leaders dedicated to discipline, institutional growth, and people-focused governance,” he said. He expressed delight at the addition of the influential members and urged new entrants to abide by the party’s constitution and work collaboratively toward electoral success and effective governance.
On his part, Senator Andrew Uchendu, ADC Deputy National Chairman, while welcoming Ken Pela, noted that his decision reflected the party’s growing appeal nationwide.
“The ADC is proud to welcome a leader of Ken Pela’s calibre. His choice reinforces our commitment to providing Nigerians with credible leadership options rooted in integrity and service,” Uchendu said.
The chief host and Delta State Chairman of the ADC, Austin Okolie, welcomed distinguished guests from the national, zonal, and state executives, as well as stakeholders and former members of the Labour Party and the Obidient Movement led by Deacon Pela.
According to Okolie, “Today’s gathering is historic. It represents a major political realignment in Delta State and a bold signal to Nigeria that a new progressive coalition is taking shape ahead of the 2027 general elections.”
He added that the presence of national and zonal representatives demonstrated that the ADC is not only growing at the grassroots but is also fully aligned with the party’s national vision.
In an emotionally charged address, Ken Pela explained the reasons for his defection, stressing the need for politics anchored in integrity, service, and institutional reform rather than personality-driven loyalty and empty rhetoric.
He criticised the prevailing political culture that rewards familiarity over competence and lamented the increasing concentration of power, which he said undermines democratic pluralism.
“Delta State is richly endowed but weighed down by broken trust and a political culture that rewards noise over substance. We need a politics anchored in responsibility and service. That is why I have chosen the ADC, a platform that places values above individuals and judges governance by results, not rhetoric,” he said.
Ken Pela also highlighted Nigeria’s broader challenges, including widespread insecurity and economic hardship, noting that over 130 million Nigerians live in multidimensional poverty. He called for a united front committed to restoring trust and hope.
The declaration was formalised with Pela’s signed resignation from the LP and his commitment to the ADC’s constitution, values, and ideals, underscoring a personal pledge to integrity, accountability, and responsible leadership.
