Presidential hopeful Peter Obi is set to formally join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following ongoing consultations ahead of the 2027 general election.
A principal official of the Labour Party in Abuja told THISDAY that the former Anambra State governor has concluded plans to defect to the ADC and is expected to hold a declaration rally in Enugu, regarded as the political capital of the South-East, on December 31.
According to the official, Obi’s supporters and loyalists have already begun arrangements to facilitate the planned move.
The source disclosed that Obi met with the ADC National Chairman, David Mark, about three weeks ago after the party asked him to clarify his position on joining the coalition. He added that the ADC’s stance may have influenced Obi’s decision to align with the party.
On December 7, the ADC had urged Obi to make up his mind on joining the coalition following a statement attributed to him in which he reportedly described the party as unstable.
Confirming the development, a party source told THISDAY: “We are aware that Peter Obi is making plans to declare for the ADC on December 31 in Enugu. Although he has yet to formally inform the party, the plans are genuine.”
Explaining why Enugu was chosen instead of Anambra State, Obi’s home state, the source said: “Enugu is the political capital of the South-East. Obi is representing the region, not just his state. That must have informed his decision.”
However, the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said he could not officially confirm Obi’s planned defection.
“The point is that there is no official announcement yet. But consultations are ongoing,” Abdullahi said.
Similarly, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, declined to comment on the matter, insisting that only Obi could speak on it.
Meanwhile, the Julius Abure-led National Working Committee of the Labour Party has downplayed reports of Obi’s planned defection.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, said the Labour Party would refrain from making any definitive statement until Obi personally addresses the issue.
“We cannot fully comment on that until we hear from Obi. As we normally say, anybody can defect from anywhere to anywhere. It is normal in Nigerian politics. Labour Party doesn’t see it as a big deal,” Ifoh said.
According to him, any decision by Obi to leave the party would be driven by personal ambition rather than institutional failure, adding that the Labour Party would continue to thrive regardless.
While stressing that the party harbours no ill feelings, Ifoh noted that it would have been preferable for Obi to remain within the party and resolve any disagreements internally.
