The Kaduna State chapter of the Labour Party (LP) has suffered a significant blow with the defection of 10,000 members to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The mass exodus, announced during an event at the ADC secretariat in Kaduna, was attributed to internal leadership struggles within the LP.
Leading the delegation of defectors was Alexander Igoji Adanu, former finance director to the late Hon. Ekene Abubakar Adams. Adanu cited the LP’s internal conflicts and its impact on party activities as the primary reason for the move. He highlighted the ADC’s commitment to youth and women’s empowerment as a key factor in their decision.
“The LP has been embroiled in various court cases and leadership tussles, significantly hindering its activities,” Adanu stated. “We sought a party focused on youth development, and the ADC’s dedication to youth empowerment resonated with us. Our collective goal is to build a better Chikun/Kajuru constituency, Kaduna state and Nigeria in general, characterized by transparency, accountability, and good governance.”
Adanu emphasized the group’s intention to continue the work started by the late Hon. Adams, focusing on empowering women and youth and driving human capital development in the Chikun/Kajuru federal constituency.
ADC Chairman, Hon. Ahmed Tijjani Mustapha, welcomed the defectors, viewing the event as a major step towards the ADC’s projected takeover of Kaduna State in 2027. “Your presence marks a significant milestone in our pursuit of positive democratic change,” he said.
The ADC also announced Adanu as its candidate for the 2025 by-election in the Chikun/Kajuru constituency for the House of Representatives created as a result of the death of the late lawmaker. Dorothy Tukura, the former women’s leader of the LP, echoed the sentiments of the defectors, stating their weariness with the ongoing internal crisis within the Labour Party and their desire for a more peaceful political environment. The mass defection represents a considerable setback for the LP in Kaduna State and underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the party.
