The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has confirmed that the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, is not a card-carrying member of the party.
Speaking on Channels Television on Wednesday night, ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi clarified Obi’s position within the opposition coalition.
Abdullahi maintained, however, that Obi had been an active part of the coalition from its inception.
“Peter Obi has been part of the coalition from day one,” he said. “He has attended almost every meeting of the coalition.
“The reason Peter Obi has not joined the ADC as a card-carrying member is because he requested permission to conclude the election process in which he and his supporters were already engaged under the Labour Party.
“The same applies to Mallam Nasir El-Rufai. Both were granted leave by the leadership to complete the electoral processes they had already begun within their respective parties.
“Peter Obi is a member of the coalition, but not a card-carrying member of the ADC,” Abdullahi concluded.
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Background to the story:
Following the 2023 general elections, in which Peter Obi finished third behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, efforts intensified among opposition parties to form a unified front ahead of the next electoral cycle.
The coalition, largely championed by the ADC and supported by other political figures, aims to challenge the dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
In recent months, discussions have gained momentum around merging platforms, restructuring opposition forces, and presenting a united candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
Although Peter Obi remains officially aligned with the Labour Party, his frequent engagement with the coalition has fuelled speculation about a potential defection or endorsement scenario.
The ADC’s clarification comes amid growing public interest in whether prominent figures like Obi and El-Rufai will formally align with the coalition or maintain independent political identities while working together strategically.
The coalition has also attracted attention with its promise of a generational shift, political reform, and stronger representation for marginalised communities.
By confirming Obi’s coalition status, the ADC signals its continued efforts to position itself as a key player in shaping the future of Nigeria’s opposition politics.
