Delta State Labour Party Defections to ADC

Deacon Kawhariebie Ken Pela, the Nigeria — Labour Party (Nigeria)'s 2023 gubernatorial candidate in Nigeria — Delta State, along with other National Assembly, State House of Assembly, and local government candidates, officially defected to the Nigeria — African Democratic Congress. This move, which took place on January 7, 2026, in Asaba, Nigeria — Delta State, follows a similar defection by Peter Obi, the Nigeria — Labour Party (Nigeria)'s presidential candidate, to the Nigeria — African Democratic Congress in Enugu. The Nigeria — African Democratic Congress, represented by figures like Austin Okolie, Festus Igbinoba, and Andrew Uchendu, welcomed the new members, emphasizing the party's growing appeal and commitment to value-driven governance. Deacon Kawhariebie Ken Pela cited the need for politics anchored in integrity, service, and institutional reform, criticizing the prevailing political culture in Nigeria — Delta State and highlighting national challenges like insecurity and economic hardship. This political realignment is seen as a strategic move by the Nigeria — African Democratic Congress to challenge the entrenched Nigeria — All Progressives Congress in Nigeria — Delta State ahead of the 2027 general elections.