By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Over 10,000 members of the Labour Party (LP) have defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kaduna State, citing an internal crisis within LP as the main reason for their decision.
The group was led by Mr. Alexander Igoji Adanu, the former Finance Director to the late Hon. Ekene Abubakar Adams, who represented Kaduna South in the House of Representatives. The defection took place during a colorful ceremony in Kaduna.
Mr. Igoji, who also aspired to succeed the late Ekene in the House of Representatives, expressed that the leadership crisis within LP was a key factor in their departure. He stated that they were drawn to the ADC due to its commitment to women and youth empowerment, as well as its numerous programs that directly benefit the youth.
He explained that the ongoing internal crisis within LP left them with no choice but to seek refuge in ADC, where peace and development were assured. He emphasized that LP had been involved in several court cases and leadership struggles, which led to a decline in party activities.
“We want a new party focusing on youth development. ADC is into youth empowerment, and our decision to join ADC is a reflection of our shared desire for a better Nigeria, where transparency, accountability, and good governance prevail,” Mr. Igoji stated.
He also noted that their vision was to empower women and youth and continue the human capital development initiatives started by the late Ekene in the Chikun/Kajuru federal constituency. “Ekene started it, and we worked as a team. We want to ensure that we finish what Ekene started,” he added.
The Chairman of ADC in Kaduna State, Hon. Ahmed Tijjani Mustapha, welcomed the defectors and stated that their decision to join ADC was a testament to the party’s growing influence. He confidently predicted that ADC would take over Kaduna and Nigeria in the 2027 elections.
“From Kaduna to Abuja to Port Harcourt, people are trooping into ADC ahead of the 2027 election. Your presence here today marks a significant milestone in our journey towards creating positive democratic change in our great state and our dear nation,” Hon. Mustapha said.
Mr. Igoji Adanu, who secured the ADC’s candidacy for the 2025 by-election for the Chikun/Kajuru constituency in the House of Representatives, was officially presented with the party’s flag and other insignia by Hon. Mustapha, assisted by national officers of the party.
The women leader of LP, Dorothy Tankura, and other prominent members of LP who defected to ADC, expressed their strong support for the party and their commitment to ensuring its success in the 2027 elections.
