The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has dismissed any speculation that Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, might return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), describing such a political move as “too risky.”
ADC’s National Spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi, made the statement on Monday during an interview on Prime Time, a current affairs programme on Arise Television.
Abdullahi, a former PDP chieftain and ex-Minister of Youth and Sports, emphasized that Obi remains an integral part of the coalition of opposition parties led by the ADC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Let me say clearly, Peter Obi is in the coalition. Regardless of what anybody is saying, it is good to see that the ADC’s involvement has prompted the PDP to make some political movements. But everyone knows the jugular of the PDP is in the hands of the ruling party. Peter Obi, more than anyone else, knows that he cannot take the risk of going to the PDP,” Abdullahi stated.
His comments come amid recent remarks by PDP stalwart and former Minister of Information, Professor Jerry Gana, who praised Obi as one of the few credible leaders capable of driving reform in Nigeria.
Speaking on Africa Independent Television (AIT), Gana described Obi as “a symbol of hope” and a central figure in efforts to strengthen democracy.
“Peter Obi is one of the finest leaders in this country. He is disciplined, prudent, and deeply committed to the Nigerian project. He is a key voice for the future of democracy, and we need people like him at the forefront of a united opposition,” Gana said.
He stressed the urgent need for a broad-based coalition, warning that no single opposition party could defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027 without strategic alliances.
With both the ADC and senior PDP figures emphasizing coalition politics, Obi’s political trajectory appears firmly tied to the broader opposition movement rather than a return to his former party.
