Delta Politics: Ken Pela Triggers Mass Exodus to ADC As 2027 Race Heats up

By Philip Onome

As the 2027 general elections draw near, the political dynamics in Delta State have taken a significant turn with the mass defection of several key politicians from the Labour Party (LP) to the Africa Democratic Congress (ADC). Leading the wave is the Labour Party’s gubernatorial candidate, Deacon Kawhariebie Ken Pela, alongside national assembly, state house of assembly, and local government candidates who have officially joined the ADC.

The defection ceremony held on January 7, 2026, at the Orchid Hotel Asaba attracted a large and enthusiastic crowd from across the state, signaling the readiness of ADC to challenge the entrenched ruling party, APC, and change the political narrative in Delta State.

This political realignment follows a similar move at the national level, with LP’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, recently defecting to the ADC in Enugu, indicating a growing momentum for the party as a credible alternative to Nigeria’s dominant political entities.

The Chief host and the Delta State chairman of ADC, Austin Okolie
welcomed the distinguished guests from the National, Zonal, State executives, 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 noted that the presence of the national and Zonal representatives clearly demonstrates that ADC is not only growing at the grassroots but is fully aligned with the national vision of the party.

In an emotionally charged address during the ceremony, Dcn. Ken Pela laid bare the reasons behind his shift, emphasizing a need for politics grounded in integrity, service, and institutional reform rather than loyalty and rhetoric. He decried the prevailing political culture, which rewards familiarity over competence, and lamented the increasing concentration of power detrimental to democratic pluralism.

He stated, “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 highlighted the broader national crises Nigeria faces, including widespread insecurity and economic hardship, pointing to over 130 million Nigerians living in multi-dimensional poverty. Against these challenges, he called for a united front committed to restoring trust and hope.

The declaration was formalized with Pela’s signed resignation from LP and commitment to ADC’s constitution, values, and ideals, underscoring a personal pledge toward integrity, accountability, and responsible leadership.

Receiving the defectors, Elder Festus Igbinoba, ADC National Chief Whip, who represented the party’s National Chairman, David Mark, said that Ken Pela’s move to ADC indicates a broader trend of principled leaders shifting towards the ADC.

“This is a convergence of values. The ADC continues to attract leaders dedicated to discipline, institutional growth, and people-focused governance”. He expressed delight at the addition of such influential members, new members to abide by the party’s constitution and collaborate towards a successful election and administration.

On his part, Senator Andrew Uchendu, ADC Deputy National Chairman while welcoming Ken Pela to ADC, noted his joining the party shows the party’s growing appeal across the nation.

“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 highlight of the ceremony was the official presentation of ADC membership cards to Dcn Ken Pela and his cohorts by the Jeremi Ward 2 Chairman of ADC, symbolizing their formal integration into the party’s fold.

Political analysts see this wave of defections as a potential game-changer in Delta State’s elections, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with the ruling APC and the fractured nature of opposition politics. With strategic leadership and a values-driven approach, ADC hopes to consolidate these gains into electoral victories, promising hope for a better governance model in Delta State.

As the 2023 polls approach, the coming months will be crucial as ADC seeks to capitalize on these defections and expand its foothold in Delta, presenting a formidable challenge to APC and other rivals.

The event was attended by prominent ADC national and zonal leaders, including Senator Andrew Uchendu, Deputy National Chairman; Festus Igbinoba, National Chief Whip; Chike Okogwu, National PWD Leader; Mabel Oboh, South-South Zonal Publicity Secretary; Hon. Kennedy Gbandi; Ebilade E. Keefe, South-South Zonal Secretary; Lauretta Onochie, former special adviser to the presidency; and Dr Bright Honda, South-South Zonal Youth Leader, Delta woman leader, Mrs Joy Mena, Delta North Senatorial woman leader, Faith Okolo, Vice Chairman Delta North, Lady Chinwe Ejido along with party stalwarts and supporters, who applauded the declaration throughout.