WorldStage– Former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi on Wednesday defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The move is part of a broader opposition realignment aimed at challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.
The formal declaration took place at the Nike Lake Resort in Enugu, chosen for its symbolic significance as the political capital of the South-East.
Obi described the move as a “rescue journey” for Nigeria, calling on opposition forces to unite against poverty, disunity, and democratic decline.
During his address, he vowed to resist electoral rigging “by every lawful means” in 2027.
Obi reiterated his intention to serve only a single four-year term if elected, stressing that this period is sufficient to begin transforming the country.
The ADC has been adopted as the platform for a coalition including prominent figures such as David Mark (who has emerged as ADC National Chairman), Aminu Tambuwal, and other regional leaders.
LP National Chairman Julius Abure criticized the move as a “betrayal,” while the party’s leadership stated they would recalibrate for 2027 without him.
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, the only LP governor, confirmed Obi informed him of the exit but stated he will remain in the Labour Party for now.
With regard to Atiku Abubakar Alliance,
while both are part of the broader coalition, Obi has explicitly denied rumors of a joint ticket with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, maintaining his independence within the alliance.
Responding to the defection, the Lagos State chapter of the APC dismissed the defection as “politically calculated” and a sign of personal ambition rather than ideological realignment.
The defection has drawn immediate media coverage and a mixed political response.
National and regional leaders who backed the ceremony were present, and the venue for the announcement was reported as Nike Lake Resort, Enugu.
Several reports said there is speculation not formally confirmed by ADC leadership about Obi’s prospects for a presidential ticket under the new alignment, those reports remain unverified.
Reactions from other opposition figures were varied. Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has publicly denied reports that he would step aside to make way for Obi. Separately, Abia State Governor Alex Otti said he would not follow Obi in leaving the Labour Party.
Officials of the ADC and organisers described the event as part of broader opposition realignment ahead of the 2027 general election.
Peter Obi has now officially aligned himself with politicians he previously criticized, following his exit from the Labour Party, which he used as the platform for his 2023 presidential campaign.
