The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has said the defection of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, to its fold has unsettled political rivals across the country.

A member of the ADC Membership Revalidation, Mobilisation and Registration Committee, Professor Festus Arunaye, stated this at a stakeholders’ meeting in Asaba, where the party inaugurated a 10-member Delta State committee for membership registration.

Arunaye said Obi’s entry into the party has boosted the confidence of ADC members nationwide, describing the former Anambra State governor as a leader with proven integrity, discipline and sound economic knowledge.

“Peter Obi is a man of integrity who understands the economy far above average. His presence has strengthened our coalition and placed us in an excellent position,” he said.

According to him, the growing influence of the ADC has made some political actors uncomfortable, alleging that sponsored social media attacks were being used to harass party members.

“Some people are already jittery and uncomfortable. That is why you see sponsored attacks on social media. Those attacks are not coming from our members,” Arunaye alleged.

Speaking on the reported defection of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to the ADC, Arunaye said Atiku’s decision was driven by a desire to correct past mistakes and support a credible political coalition.

“Atiku believes in a free, fair and transparent primary. Whoever emerges will receive the full support of the party. That is the mission of ADC,” he added.

Arunaye disclosed that the party is targeting no fewer than 2.3 million members in Delta State during the ongoing registration and revalidation exercise.

He also declared an end to what he described as the era of party cards being hoarded or sold by moneybags, noting that under the leadership of Senator David Mark, the ADC has drawn a clear line against corruption, exclusion and money politics.