A prominent leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has publicly dismissed widespread rumours of his defection to a rival party ahead of the crucial 2027 general elections. Adolphus Wabara, the 77-year-old Chairman of the PDP's Board of Trustees (BoT), has categorically stated that he remains a committed member of the opposition party.
Wabara Addresses Viral Photo and Defection Claims
In a statement issued on Friday, January 2, 2026, Wabara described media reports suggesting his move to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as "planted mischievous media reports" and "fake and misleading." He urged party supporters and the general public to disregard the stories.
The speculation gained traction following a widely circulated photograph showing Wabara with former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, alongside other Igbo leaders. Many linked the image to a recent political event in Enugu State, where Peter Obi officially defected to the ADC.
However, Wabara offered a clear explanation. He clarified that the viral picture was not from the Enugu event but was an older photograph taken in 2025. "The said picture was an old picture of Igbo leaders with Obasanjo when they visited him in 2025 in his Abeokuta residence," he stated. He pointed to Obasanjo's portrait visible in the background as proof the photo was taken at the ex-president's home in Ogun State, not Enugu.
PDP Chairman Reaffirms Loyalty and Vows Party Revival
Senator Wabara used the opportunity to strongly reaffirm his position within the PDP and his dedication to its resurgence. He accused political detractors of sponsoring the false narrative to tarnish his reputation and destabilise the party.
"The same disgruntled elements who have been contracted to destroy the PDP are behind this mischievous media campaign. But no amount of lies can change the fact that I am still very much in the PDP," Wabara declared emphatically.
He went further to outline his commitment, stating, "I'm not only in the PDP but committed to seeing that the PDP bounces back as the ruling national party in 2027." He vowed that no form of blackmail would deter him from advocating for the rule of law and due process to rebuild the PDP into a formidable force in Nigerian politics.
Context: ADC's Internal Dynamics and Obi's Move
This denial comes amidst significant political realignments, most notably Peter Obi's high-profile move from the Labour Party to the ADC. However, that defection has not been without its own controversy. A faction of the ADC, led by National Chairman Nafiu Gombe, has rejected Obi's registration, claiming it did not follow the party's constitutional procedures at the ward level.
This internal dispute within the ADC adds another layer of complexity to the political landscape as parties begin to position themselves for the 2027 presidential election. Wabara's firm denial serves to quell rumours of a major PDP figure joining the ADC coalition, at least for the time being, and aims to project unity within the PDP's top echelons.
The veteran politician's statement is a strategic effort to control the narrative, reassure the PDP's base, and focus attention on the party's internal rebuilding process ahead of the next electoral cycle.
