By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has received a massive boost ahead of the 2027 general elections, with coordinated defections sweeping through Akwa Ibom and Kaduna States. In a significant political realignment, all 31 chapter chairmen of the Labour Party in Akwa Ibom, alongside over 23,000 members in Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna, have formally joined the ADC.
In a dramatic development in Uyo, the 31 chapter chairmen of the Labour Party across Akwa Ibom State officially declared for the ADC on Saturday. The declaration occurred during the unveiling of the “Obidients” movement and the party’s official structures—an event that drew massive crowds and featured the presence of the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
The ADC, in a statement, emphasised the voluntary nature of the move, describing it as a testament to genuine leadership impact.
“All Chapter-Chairmen (31) of the Labour Party in Akwa-Ibom have just declared for the ADC because of Peter Obi,” the statement read. “They did this without a dime for mobilisation, without threat or coercion, and without any immediate benefit in sight. This is what the real impact of leadership means.”
In a video from the event, one of the defecting chairmen explained that their decision was driven by Peter Obi’s leadership qualities, vision, and commitment to national renewal.
“Mr Peter Obi possesses the capacity, competence, commitment and compassion to reverse the misgovernance and misfortune in our country,” he said. “We follow him not because he is perfect, but because his sincerity of purpose is endless. He has the vision to build a better Nigeria for all, irrespective of tribe, religion or social status.”
Meanwhile, in Kaduna State, the ADC witnessed a wave of mass defections as over 23,000 members from the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Labour Party (LP) formally resigned their membership to join the party in Zone 1, Lere Local Government Area.
A statement from the ADC Coalition Publicity Secretary for Kaduna State, Darius Kurah, described the influx as a watershed moment for the party.
“This is a political realignment of great significance,” Kurah said. “Over twenty-three thousand (23,000) members drawn from APC, PDP, and LP formally resigned their memberships and declared allegiance to the ADC.”
The new members were officially received by the Co-Chairman of the ADC Kaduna State Chapter, Bashir Saidu, alongside the National Vice Chairman for ADC North West, Ja’afar Sani. Kurah highlighted the strategic importance of the development, stating, “This is a historic development for the ADC. The courage and foresight of the new members will strengthen our platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.”
Reassuring the incoming members, the Secretary of the Kaduna State Membership Card Registration Committee, Hafsat Baba, pledged inclusivity. “We assure all new members of equal opportunities within the party and pledge that the ADC will continue to champion justice, inclusiveness, and people-centred governance across Kaduna State.”
The party’s statement concluded on a confident note, asserting that the massive defection marks “a turning point in the political landscape of Lere LGA and further strengthens the growing popularity and acceptance of the ADC as the preferred alternative for credible leadership.”
