Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, is reportedly weighing a move to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as consultations intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
A senior ADC official in Abuja disclosed that Obi has concluded arrangements to formally align with the party, with plans underway for a declaration rally in Enugu on December 31. According to the source, mobilisation has already begun among Obi’s supporters in anticipation of the move.
The official said the former Anambra State governor recently held discussions with the ADC’s National Chairman, David Mark, following the party’s call, about three weeks ago, for him to clarify his political future within the coalition. The meeting, the source noted, may have influenced Obi’s reported decision to pitch his tent with the ADC.
Earlier this month, the ADC publicly urged Obi to make up his mind after comments attributed to him describing the party as unstable. However, the party source insisted that plans for Obi’s declaration were credible, even though no formal notice had yet been submitted.
“Enugu is considered the political capital of the South-East,” the source said, explaining why the declaration was reportedly planned outside Obi’s home state of Anambra. “He is presenting himself as a regional figure, not just a state leader.”
When contacted, the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said he could not confirm Obi’s planned defection, stressing that consultations were still ongoing. Similarly, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr Yunusa Tanko, declined to comment, noting that only Obi could speak authoritatively on the matter.
The Labour Party leadership has also played down reports of Obi’s possible exit. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, said no official position would be taken until Obi personally addressed the issue.
“People are free to move from one party to another. It is normal in Nigerian politics,” Ifoh said, adding that the Labour Party would continue to thrive regardless of Obi’s decision. While expressing a preference for Obi to remain and resolve differences internally, the party said it harboured no ill feelings should he choose to leave.
Meanwhile, the ADC has announced plans to hold its national convention in mid-2026 as part of efforts to reposition the party ahead of the 2027 elections. Abdullahi said the party was currently focused on nationwide mobilisation, membership registration and organisational consolidation.
He explained that 2026 would be pivotal for the ADC, with preparations for the emergence of a presidential candidate expected to reshape the party’s momentum and influence. According to him, the party plans to hold two conventions next year—one to ratify decisions of its National Executive Committee and another to select its presidential flag bearer.
While no specific dates have been fixed, Abdullahi said the process would gather pace as election-year dynamics set in, signalling a potentially significant shift in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
