ADC Loses Ex-Minority Leader Senator Abaribe To Labour Party
Just some 24 hours after losing the membership of two giants, Peter Obi and Musa Kwankwaso, the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) has again lost a notable figure from its ranks.
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, former Senate Minority Leader and former Deputy Governor of Abia State, on Monday announced his defection from the opposition group ADC to the Labour Party (LP).
Abaribe, who represents Abia South Senatorial District, announced his defection on Monday in a statement personally signed by him, citing the need to align with a party that shared his vision for a new Nigeria.
In a message announcing his defection sent to his associates on Monday, Abaribe said he took the decision following the uncertainties surrounding the ADC.
“Given the uncertainties concerning the ADC party with regard to the multiple lawsuits and court judgements, I have today resigned from the ADC and joined the Labour Party effectively immediately,” the message reads.
“This has nothing to do with the leadership and members whom I have enjoyed and will continue to enjoy close and solid relationships with.
“It is a tough call, but leadership means making tough calls in uncertain times. While thanking everyone for your support and commitment to making Nigeria a better place.
“After extensive consultations with my constituents, political associates, and stakeholders across Abia South and beyond, I have resolved to join the Labour Party. This decision is driven by my unwavering commitment to the ideals of equity, justice, and good governance.”
He praised the Labour Party’s growing influence and what he described as its “genuine commitment” to rescuing Nigeria from the grip of bad leadership.
Abaribe also formally stepped down as the Leader of the ADC Caucus in the National Assembly, a position he had held since defecting from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the ADC in 2024.
His defection comes barely 48 hours after former Labour Party Presidential Candidate Peter Obi and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso dumped the party for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
Political analysts have described Abaribe’s move as a “stunning reversal” that brings a major political figure back into the LP fold even as other heavyweights exit.
Abaribe assured his constituents that his defection would not affect the quality of representation they received, adding that the Labour Party platform would enable him to more effectively articulate the yearnings of the people of Abia South.
“I remain committed to the issues that matter: security, economic empowerment, and quality legislation. The platform may have changed, but my purpose remains the same,” he said.
He is currently serving his fourth term in the Senate, having been first elected in 2011.
Born 1st March 1955, he previously served as Deputy Governor with Governor Uzor Kalu of Abia State from 1999 until his resignation and subsequent impeachment in March 2003.
He was the Minority Leader in the 9th Senate.
The ADC leadership, through its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, described the defection as “a matter of personal ambition” and expressed confidence that the party would remain strong at the grassroots in Abia State.
