Some leaders of the Labour Party in Delta State have defected to the African Democratic Congress, marking a significant shift in the state’s political landscape.
At the forefront of the defection is the LP’s 2023 governorship candidate in the state, Deacon Kawhariebie Ken Pela, alongside former National Assembly, State House of Assembly and local government candidates, who have now formally joined the ADC.
The defection ceremony, held in Asaba, drew a large turnout of supporters from across Delta State, a development observers say reflects the ADC’s growing ambition to challenge the dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and reshape the state’s political direction.
The development follows a similar realignment at the national level, where the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, recently moved to the ADC in Enugu.
Speaking at the event, the host and Delta State Chairman of the ADC, Austin Okolie, welcomed party leaders from the national, zonal and state levels, 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 across Nigeria”.
He added that the attendance of national and zonal officials underscored the party’s expansion beyond the grassroots and its alignment with the broader national vision of the ADC.
In an emotional address at the ceremony, Ken Pela explained the rationale behind his decision, stressing the need for a political culture anchored on integrity, service and institutional reforms rather than personal loyalty and empty rhetoric.
He criticised what he described as a system that prioritises familiarity over competence, while also expressing concern over the growing concentration of power, which he said undermines democratic pluralism.
“Delta State is richly endowed but weighed down by broken trust and political culture that rewards noise over substance. We need a politics anchored in responsibility and service. That is why I have chosen ADC, a platform that places values above individuals and judges governance by results, not rhetoric.”
Ken Pela also drew attention to Nigeria’s wider challenges, including insecurity and economic hardship, noting that more than 130 million Nigerians are currently living in multi-dimensional poverty. He called for collective action aimed at rebuilding trust and restoring hope among citizens.
The defection was formally concluded with the submission of Pela’s resignation from the Labour Party and his pledge to uphold the ADC’s constitution, values and ideals, which he described as a personal commitment to integrity, accountability and responsible leadership.
While receiving the defectors, the ADC National Chief Whip, Elder Festus Igbinoba, who represented the party’s National Chairman, David Mark, said Ken Pela’s decision reflected a growing movement of principled leaders aligning with the ADC.
“This is a convergence of values. The ADC continues to attract leaders dedicated to discipline, institutional growth, and people-focused governance,” he said, while urging the new members to abide by the party’s constitution and work collectively towards electoral success and effective governance.
Also speaking, the ADC Deputy National Chairman, Senator Andrew Uchendu, described Ken Pela’s entry into the party as evidence of its rising national appeal.
“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 stated.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of ADC membership cards to Deacon Ken Pela and other defectors by the ADC Chairman of Jeremi Ward 2, formally inducting them into the party.
