Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Labour Party’s governorship candidate in Delta State during the 2023 elections, Deacon Kawhariebie Pela, has led a significant mass defection of key party figures and supporters from the Labour Party (LP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The event, held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at the Orchid Hotel in Asaba, marked a significant political shift in the state.
The defection ceremony saw a large turnout of political stakeholders, particularly from the Obidient movement in Delta State. Among the defectors were former LP candidates for the National Assembly, the Delta State House of Assembly, and local government councils.
The event was attended by top national and zonal leaders of the ADC, including, the party’s 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 the Delta State Woman Leader, Mrs Joy Mena; Delta North Senatorial Woman Leader, Faith Okolo; Vice Chairman, Delta North, Lady Chinwe Ejido; former presidential aide, Lauretta Onochie; and other party stalwarts.
Historic Political Realignment in Delta State
The political shift in Delta State comes at a time when similar developments are unfolding at the national level. Recently, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, also defected to the ADC, making this a broader trend in Nigerian politics.
Austin Okolie, the Delta State Chairman of the ADC, described the defection as historic.
Speaking to the gathering, Okolie said, “This 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 emphasised that the presence of national and zonal party leaders demonstrated that the ADC is expanding its grassroots support while aligning with the party’s national vision.
Leading the defectors, Pela explained that his decision to leave the LP was driven by the need for a political platform based on integrity, service, and institutional reform. In an emotional address, Pela criticised what he described as a political culture that rewards familiarity over competence and consolidates power to the detriment of democratic pluralism.
He said, “Delta State is richly endowed but weighed down by broken trust and a political culture that rewards noise over substance.
“We need 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 also touched on Nigeria’s broader challenges, highlighting the nation’s insecurity and economic hardship, noting that over 130 million Nigerians live in multidimensional poverty. Pela formally resigned from the Labour Party and pledged allegiance to the ADC’s constitution, values, and ideals, committing himself to integrity, accountability, and responsible leadership.
Receiving the defectors on behalf of the ADC’s National Chairman, David Mark, the ADC National Chief Whip, Elder Festus Igbinoba, lauded Pela’s decision, describing it as part of a growing trend of principled leaders aligning with the ADC.
“This is a convergence of values. The ADC continues to attract leaders committed to discipline, institutional growth, and people-focused governance,” Igbinoba said.
The ADC Deputy National Chairman, Senator Andrew Uchendu, also commented on Pela’s defection, stating that it underscored the party’s increasing national appeal.
“The ADC is proud to welcome a leader of Ken Pela’s calibre. His decision reinforces our commitment to offering Nigerians credible leadership rooted in integrity and service,” Uchendu added.
The highlight of the ceremony was the formal presentation of ADC membership cards to Pela and the other defectors. The presentation, conducted by Jeremi Ward 2 ADC Chairman.