A former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, is set to formally join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as political consultations intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, according to a senior party source.
A principal official of the ADC in Abuja said that Obi has concluded plans to defect to the party and is expected to publicly declare his membership at a rally scheduled to hold in Enugu on December 31. Enugu is widely regarded as the political capital of the South-East.
According to the source, preparations are already underway, with Obi’s supporters and loyalists making arrangements for the anticipated defection. The official disclosed that discussions between Obi and the ADC leadership had reached an advanced stage following weeks of consultations.
The source said Obi met with the National Chairman of the ADC, former Senate President David Mark, after the party urged him about three weeks ago to clearly state his intentions regarding joining the coalition. It was during this meeting, the source added, that Obi renewed his engagement with the party.
“He was asked to make up his mind, and after that, he met with the national chairman. The position of the party and the coalition may have convinced him to finally decide,” the official said.
On December 7, the ADC had publicly reacted to a statement attributed to Obi in which he reportedly described the party as unstable, urging him to clarify whether he intended to join the coalition or not. Since then, consultations have continued behind the scenes.
Speaking further, the party official said, “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.”
When asked why Obi would choose Enugu rather than Anambra State, his home state, for the declaration, the source explained that the decision was symbolic. “Enugu is the political capital of the South-East. Obi is representing the region, not just his state. That must have informed his decision,” he said.
However, the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, declined to confirm the planned defection, saying no official announcement had been made. “There is no official announcement yet, but consultations are ongoing,” he said.
Similarly, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr Yunusa Tanko, refused to comment directly, insisting that only Obi himself could speak on the matter.
Meanwhile, the Julius Abure-led National Working Committee of the Labour Party has played down reports of Obi’s planned defection. The LP National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, said the party would wait for Obi to personally address the issue before taking a position.
“We cannot fully comment on that until we hear from Obi. Anybody can defect from anywhere to anywhere; it is normal in Nigerian politics,” Ifoh said, adding that the party did not see the development as a major issue.
He maintained that if Obi eventually leaves, it would be a personal decision rather than a reflection of failure within the Labour Party. While expressing no ill feelings, Ifoh said it would have been preferable for Obi to remain and resolve differences internally.
