Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections is set for a significant realignment as the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, is expected to formally defect to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, in Enugu.
The move is expected to end months of speculation over Obi’s political future as preparations intensify for the next general elections. Obi is said to be defecting alongside serving senators and other lawmakers elected on the platform of the Labour Party (LP), as well as some remnants of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-East.
Sources told the New Daily Prime that Obi would be joined by the Senator representing Anambra Central, Victor Umeh; Anambra North Senator, Tony Nwoye; Abia South Senator, Enyinnaya Abaribe; PDP chieftain Ben Obi; and members of the Obidient movement across the region.
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It remains unclear whether Abia State Governor Alex Otti will be part of the defection. The governor was recently approached by the PDP to return to the party and seek re-election in 2027.
Confirming the development, Obi’s spokesperson, Val Obienyim, told The Guardian via text message on Sunday morning that the defection was true.
Also speaking, Senator Umeh said the event would hold in Enugu and involve Obi’s supporters from across the South-East. According to him, supporters from Abia, Anambra, Imo, and Ebonyi states would converge in Enugu for the exercise scheduled for December 31.
Political sources further hinted that Obi, who has not concealed his ambition to contest the 2027 presidential election, is expected to seek the ADC’s presidential ticket.
Commenting on the development, elder statesman Chekwas Okorie described Obi’s anticipated defection as a positive development capable of reshaping political calculations ahead of 2027.
He noted that a strengthened ADC would enrich opposition politics and help allay fears of a one-party system, adding that a contest involving the APC, ADC, and possibly the PDP would guarantee a vibrant electoral process and offer Nigerians meaningful choices.
Similarly, the National President of the Njiko Igbo Forum (NIF), Okechukwu Obioha, said the group would support Obi to ensure he attains the peak of his political career. However, he cautioned the ADC against compromising merit and integrity in selecting its presidential candidate, describing Obi as the “hope for restoring Nigeria to the path of greatness.”
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