iDeemlawfulA former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, is expected to formally align with the African Democratic Congress as consultations continue ahead of the 2027 general elections.
A senior party official in Abuja disclosed that Obi has finalised plans to join the ADC and stage a declaration rally in Enugu, regarded as the political hub of the South-East, on December 31.
According to the source, preparations are already underway by Obi’s supporters and loyalists to facilitate the move.
The official revealed that after the ADC urged Obi about three weeks ago to decide on joining the party, he met with the party’s National Chairman, David Mark, to reaffirm commitment to the coalition.
MOST READ ARTICLES
He explained that the party’s stance may have influenced the former Anambra State governor’s decision to finally embrace the ADC.
On December 7, the ADC reacted to comments attributed to Obi describing the party as unstable, urging him to clearly decide whether he intended to join the coalition.
Speaking with Sunday PUNCH, the party source 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.”
Explaining why Enugu was chosen over Anambra State, the official 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, 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,” he said.
Similarly, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr Yunusa Tanko, declined direct comments, insisting that only Obi could speak on the matter.
Meanwhile, the Julius Abure-led National Working Committee of the Labour Party downplayed the development.
LP National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, told Sunday PUNCH that the party would not make a firm statement until Obi personally addresses the issue.
He said, “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 added that any decision by Obi to leave would stem from personal ambition rather than institutional failure, stressing that the party would remain strong regardless.
While maintaining there was no animosity, the LP spokesman said it would have been better for Obi to stay and resolve differences internally.
He said, “But the wisest thing for him to do is to stay back and work with the party that gave him the spread he got in 2023. He should try to reconcile with the party leadership and move on from there. But if he prefers to jump from one party to another, we wish him all the best.”
— ADC plans convention to pick presidential candidate
Meanwhile, the ADC plans to hold its national convention in mid-2026 as part of efforts to reposition ahead of the 2027 elections.
Abdullahi disclosed that the party is currently focused on nationwide mobilisation, expanding membership and strengthening internal structures.
He explained that building a “solid organisational framework” remains the immediate priority, with ongoing membership registration forming the basis for future congresses and conventions.
According to him, 2026 will be pivotal, especially as preparations for choosing a presidential candidate are expected to reshape the political landscape and energise party activities nationwide.
He said, “Don’t forget that by June or July, at the latest, we must have a presidential candidate. That will also add to the momentum and redraw the political dynamic.
“Once a presidential candidate emerges and you see people also coming up to contest the governorship election, it will change the momentum.”
Abdullahi clarified that while discussions on dates were ongoing, the party intends to hold two conventions in 2026.
“We will have the first convention to ratify the decisions that the NEC has taken this year. We will have another one to decide our next presidential candidate. That will come towards the middle of the year. But I cannot give you a definite date for now,” he said.