Four members of the Anambra State House of Assembly, along with several other members of the Labour Party (LP) loyal to former presidential candidate Peter Obi, have formally joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The announcement was made on Saturday in a well-attended event in the state.

The lawmakers who defected include the LP caucus leader in the Assembly, Hon. Jude Ifeanyi Umennajiego, Hon. Fred Ezenwa, Hon. Kingsley Udemezue, and Hon. Henry Nigeria Mbachu.

Several prominent party figures also followed suit, including former LP State Secretary and Publicity Secretary Barr. Okoli Akirika, Engineer Theo Egbe, and former Commissioner for Women Affairs, Lady Harrieta Agbata.

Speaking at the event, Umennajiego described the defection as a demonstration of loyalty to Obi and his political direction. He predicted that the movement would be “humongous and tremendous” across Anambra State and the South-East region once Obi officially joins the ADC.

Barr. Akirika, who convened the meeting, recalled similar developments in Enugu State following Obi’s move. “Since our leader has joined ADC, we have decided to follow him. Our leader left, so we have to follow him,” he said. Akirika urged defectors to return to their wards to formally register with the ADC and emphasized the importance of strengthening the party at the grassroots level.

The communiqué of the meeting was read by Engr. Theo Egbe, who confirmed that the defectors had resigned individually and collectively from the Labour Party in line with Obi’s decision. He further instructed members to liaise with ADC ward leadership to complete their registration and integration into the party.

The move underscores growing realignments in Anambra politics as Peter Obi’s influence continues to shape political loyalties in the region.