Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has officially defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), ending months of speculation over his next political move.
Obi announced his defection on Wednesday, December 31, in Enugu, declaring that his decision to join the coalition-backed ADC was driven by a desire to “transform and rescue Nigeria” ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at the defection event, the former Anambra State governor said the move signals the beginning of a renewed political struggle aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic process and addressing the country’s deepening socio-economic challenges.
“We are ending this year with the hope that in 2026 we will begin a rescue journey. We will resist rigging of elections by every lawful means in 2027,” Obi declared.
He also stressed the need for early preparation and strict adherence to electoral rules to avoid avoidable legal setbacks, referencing challenges encountered in previous elections.
“We still have a one-year window for everyone to go and verify the schools they attended. We do not want to return to court again only to be told it is a pre-election matter. The pre-election process should start now,” he said.
Obi was formally received into the party by the National Chairman of the ADC, Senator David Mark, at a ceremony held at the Nike Lake Resort, Enugu, which drew prominent political figures from across the South-East.
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Among those present were Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central), Senator Tony Nwoye (Anambra North), Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South), and Afam Ogene, a member of the House of Representatives representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency.
Also in attendance were former Imo State Governor Achike Udenwa and several other influential political leaders from the region.
Obi’s defection is widely seen as a significant boost for the ADC and the emerging opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections, as analysts say it could reshape political alignments and intensify competition for power at the national level.
With his move now confirmed, attention is expected to shift to how the ADC consolidates its coalition strategy and positions itself as a formidable alternative in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.