ABIUA: Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, is set to formally align with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as consultations intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
A senior party official in Abuja disclosed that Obi has concluded plans to join the ADC and is expected to make a formal declaration at a rally scheduled for December 31 in Enugu, widely regarded as the political capital of the South-East.
According to the source, mobilisation efforts are already underway among Obi’s supporters in preparation for the event.
The official said the decision followed weeks of consultations after the ADC leadership urged Obi to clarify his political position within the coalition. Obi reportedly met with the party’s National Chairman, David Mark, to reaffirm his commitment to the alliance.
Earlier this month, the ADC publicly responded to comments attributed to Obi describing the party as unstable, urging him to make a definite decision on whether to join the coalition.
Party insiders believe the leadership’s stance may have influenced Obi’s move.
“We are aware that plans are ongoing for Peter Obi to declare for the ADC in Enugu on December 31. While no formal notification has been received, the plans are genuine, the party source said.
Explaining the choice of Enugu rather than Anambra State, Obi’s home base, the official noted that the move reflects a broader regional outlook. Enugu is the political capital of the South-East.
Obi is projecting a regional, not state-based, identity, the source added.
However, the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said there had been no official confirmation of Obi’s defection. There is no formal announcement yet, but consultations are ongoing, he said.
Similarly, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr Yunusa Tanko, declined to comment, insisting that only Obi could speak authoritatively on the matter.
Meanwhile, the Labour Party has downplayed the development. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, said the leadership would not make any definitive comment until Obi personally addresses the issue.
Anybody can defect from anywhere to anywhere. It is normal in Nigerian politics. Labour Party does not see it as a big deal, Ifoh said, adding that any decision by Obi would be driven by personal ambition rather than institutional failure.
He noted that while the party would have preferred Obi to resolve internal disagreements and remain within its fold, it harbored no ill feelings should he choose otherwise.
In a related development, 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 mobilization, membership expansion and internal consolidation, adding that 2026 would be a defining year as preparations begin for the emergence of a presidential candidate.
“By mid-2026, we must have a presidential candidate. That alone will significantly change the political momentum, he said, noting that the party plans to hold two conventions next year one to ratify NEC decisions and another to select its presid
