Delta LP Governorship Candidate Pela Leads Major Defection to ADC

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Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Labour Party’s 2023 governorship candidate in Delta State, Deacon Kawhariebie Pela, has spearheaded a major wave of defections from the Labour Party (LP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The defection event, held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at the Orchid Hotel in Asaba, signaled a major political realignment in Delta State.

The gathering attracted a significant turnout of political figures, especially members of the Obidient movement. Among the defectors were former Labour Party aspirants for the National Assembly, Delta State House of Assembly, and various local government positions.

Top national and regional leaders of the ADC were also in attendance, including Deputy National Chairman Senator Andrew Uchendu, National Chief Whip Festus Igbinoba, National PWD Leader Chike Okogwu, South-South Zonal Publicity Secretary Mabel Oboh, South-South Zonal Secretary Ebilade E. Keefe, South-South Zonal Youth Leader Dr. Bright Honda, and Hon. Kennedy Gbandi.

Also present were Delta State Woman Leader Mrs. Joy Mena, Delta North Senatorial Woman Leader Faith Okolo, Delta North Vice Chairman Lady Chinwe Ejido, former presidential aide Lauretta Onochie, and several other party heavyweights.

A Major Political Shift Unfolds in Delta

The mass defection comes at a time when similar restructuring is taking place across the country. Just recently, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, also made a move to the ADC, reinforcing a nationwide trend of political realignment.

Delta ADC Chairman Austin Okolie described the development as historic.

“This marks a significant political shift in Delta State and sends a strong message that a new progressive coalition is emerging ahead of the 2027 elections,” Okolie stated.

He highlighted that the presence of high-ranking party leaders underscored the ADC’s expanding influence at the grassroots level and its alignment with the party’s broader national direction.

Why Pela Left LP for ADC

Leading the defectors, Pela explained that his departure from the Labour Party stemmed from a desire to join a political platform built on integrity, reform, and genuine service.

In an emotional address, he criticized the prevailing political culture that prioritizes familiarity and patronage over merit and competence, arguing that such a system undermines democratic diversity.

“Delta State is richly blessed but burdened by broken trust and a political culture that rewards noise instead of substance,” Pela said.

He continued,
“We need politics rooted in responsibility and service. That is why I chose the ADC — a platform that places values above personalities and measures governance by results, not empty rhetoric.”

Pela also spoke about Nigeria’s broader national challenges, pointing to insecurity and severe economic hardship, noting that more than 130 million Nigerians are living in multidimensional poverty.

He formally resigned from the Labour Party and pledged his loyalty to the ADC’s constitution and guiding principles, vowing to uphold integrity, transparency, and service-driven leadership.

ADC Leaders Welcome the New Defectors

Receiving the defectors on behalf of ADC National Chairman David Mark, National Chief Whip Festus Igbinoba commended Pela’s move, calling it part of a rising wave of principled leaders aligning with the ADC.

“This is a convergence of values. The ADC continues to attract leaders committed to discipline, growth, and people-centered governance,” he said.

ADC Deputy National Chairman Senator Andrew Uchendu echoed the sentiment, stating that Pela’s decision reaffirmed the party’s expanding national relevance.

“The ADC is honoured to receive a leader of Ken Pela’s stature. His move strengthens our mission to present Nigerians with credible leadership grounded in integrity and service,” Uchendu stated.

The event concluded with the official presentation of ADC membership cards to Pela and the defectors. The ceremony was conducted by the Jeremi Ward 2 ADC Chairman.