THIS DAWN — Mr. Akin Osuntokun, former Director-General of Peter Obi’s Labour Party (LP) presidential campaign council, has defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Osuntokun cited “internal saboteurs” and leadership instability within the Labour Party.
His move adds to a growing wave of high-profile defections reshaping Nigeria’s political landscape.
Key Details of Osuntokun’s Defection
- Date: January 26–27, 2026
- Reason: Alleged sabotage and commercialization of LP by its leadership.
- Statement: “Those in control of the Labour Party are only interested in selling the party to the highest bidder.”
- Context: He noted that the “Peter Obi group” with whom he joined LP had already departed, leaving the party fractured.
Osuntokun, a former Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), described ADC as “the most credible political platform at the moment.”
Other Major Defections in Recent Years
| Politician | From | To | Reason/Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peter Obi | PDP (2022) | Labour Party | Left PDP citing irregularities in primaries; became LP’s presidential candidate in 2023. Left Labour Party last year and joined ADC. |
| Atiku Abubakar | APC (2017) | PDP | Returned to PDP to contest 2019 presidential election after disagreements in APC. |
| Nasir El-Rufai | PDP (2010s) | APC | Joined APC during its formation, aligning with opposition against PDP dominance. |
| Rabiu Kwankwaso | PDP (2022) | NNPP | Left PDP over internal disputes; became NNPP’s presidential candidate in 2023. |
| David Umahi | PDP (2020) | APC | Defected citing PDP’s neglect of Southeast interests. |
| Sen. Ifeanyi Ararume | PDP (various periods) | APC | Shifted allegiance multiple times, reflecting regional political calculations. |
Implications of Osuntokun’s Move
- For LP: His departure underscores deepening internal crises, including leadership disputes between Julius Abure’s faction and rival claimants.
- For ADC: Gains credibility by attracting a seasoned strategist with national campaign experience.
- For Nigerian Politics: Continues the trend of fluid party affiliations, where politicians prioritize platforms offering influence and stability over ideological loyalty.
Analysis
Labour Party’s Challenge: LP faces credibility issues as prominent figures exit, weakening its grassroots appeal.
ADC’s Opportunity: With Osuntokun’s entry, ADC may position itself as a viable alternative for disillusioned politicians and voters.
Broader Trend: Nigerian politics remains highly transactional, with defections often driven by internal disputes, regional calculations, or presidential ambitions.
