The African Democratic Congress has recorded significant defections in two states ahead of the 2027 general elections, with all 31 chapter chairmen of the Labour Party in Akwa Ibom and over 23,000 members in Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State formally joining the party.

In Akwa Ibom, the Labour Party chapter chairmen declared for the ADC during the unveiling of the Obidients and official party structures in Uyo on Saturday, an event attended by Peter Obi.

The ceremony drew massive crowds and marked the formal declaration of allegiance to the party by these leaders.

The party in a statement revealed that “All Chapter-Chairmen (31) of the Labour Party in Akwa-Ibom have just declared for the ADC because of Peter Obi.

“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.”

One of the defectors in a video revealed that they were joining the ADC because of Peter Obi’s leadership qualities, vision, and commitment to improving Nigeria.

“Mr Peter Obi possesses the capacity, competence, commitment and compassion to reverse the misgovernance and misfortune in our country.

“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,” he said.

Meanwhile, in Kaduna State, over 23,000 members from the All Progressives Congress, Peoples Democratic Party, and Labour Party formally resigned their memberships to join the ADC in Zone 1, Lere Local Government Area.

In a statement signed by Darius Kurah, ADC Coalition Publicity Secretary for Kaduna State, the party described the development as “a political realignment of great significance and realignment of great significance,” adding that, “over twenty-three thousand (23,000) members drawn from APC, PDP, and LP formally resigned their memberships and declared allegiance to the ADC.”

The defectors were officially received by Coalition Co-Chairman of ADC Kaduna State Chapter, Bashir Saidu, alongside National Vice Chairman, ADC North West, Ja’afar Sani.

Kurah said, “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.”

The Secretary of the Kaduna State Membership Card Registration Committee, Hafsat Baba added, “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 statement concluded, “This 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.” (The PUNCH)