Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, is preparing to formally join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as consultations continue ahead of the 2027 general elections.
An Anonymous source of the ADC in Abuja informed GTN that Obi has concluded plans to join the party and will hold a declaration rally in Enugu, the political capital of the South-East, on December 31. Supporters of Obi have begun making arrangements for this anticipated defection.
The source disclosed that after the ADC inquired about his decision three weeks ago, Obi met with National Chairman David Mark to reaffirm his commitment to the coalition.
On December 7, the ADC, responding to Obi’s comments about the party’s instability, urged him to clarify his intentions regarding joining.
While the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, stated there has been no official announcement yet, he confirmed that consultations are ongoing. The National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, declined to comment, insisting that only Obi could speak on the matter.
The Julius Abure-led National Working Committee of the Labour Party has minimized the significance of Obi’s potential departure. LP National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, said definitive comments would be withheld until they hear directly from Obi. He noted that political defections are common in Nigeria and that the Labour Party does not view it as a significant issue.
Ifoh added that any decision by Obi to leave would likely stem from personal ambition rather than institutional failure, asserting that the Labour Party would continue to thrive.
Meanwhile, the ADC plans to hold its national convention in mid-2026 as part of its strategy to strengthen the party ahead of the elections. Abdullahi stated that the party’s current focus includes nationwide mobilization and membership expansion, emphasizing the need for a solid organizational framework.
He highlighted that 2026 will be crucial for the ADC, especially with the upcoming selection of a presidential candidate, which could reshape the political landscape. The ADC plans to hold two conventions in 2026—one to ratify previous decisions and another to choose a presidential candidate, with ongoing discussions about specific dates.
