Peter Obi Poised to Join ADC as Party Prepares for Key Convention Ahead of 2027 Elections
Former Anambra State governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, is reportedly set to formally join the African Democratic Congress (ADC), amid ongoing consultations and political realignments ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. The development, though not officially confirmed by Obi himself, has generated significant attention within political circles and among his supporters nationwide.
According to party insiders who spoke to Sunday PUNCH, Obi has concluded plans to defect to the ADC and may formally declare his membership at a rally scheduled to hold in Enugu on December 31. Enugu is widely regarded as the political capital of the South-East, a factor party officials say informed the choice of venue rather than Anambra State, Obi’s home state.
A principal official of the ADC in Abuja disclosed that consultations between Obi and the party leadership have been ongoing for several weeks. The source revealed that the former governor recently met with the party’s National Chairman, David Mark, to reaffirm his commitment to the emerging opposition coalition being built on the ADC platform.
The source said the party had earlier urged Obi to clarify his political direction following public comments in which he reportedly described the ADC as unstable. On December 7, the party publicly challenged Obi to decide whether he would join the coalition or chart a different course, a move that appears to have accelerated the current talks.
“We are aware that Peter Obi is planning to declare for the ADC on December 31 in Enugu. Although he has not formally notified the party, the arrangements are genuine and his supporters are already mobilising,” the source said.
Related News
Henry Seriake Dickson Defects from PDP to Newly Formed Nigeria Democratic Congress
Senator Henry Seriake Dickson has formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the newly registered Nigeria Democratic Congress…
Hon. Sarah Ivie Adidi Receives “Her Excellence Award” During International Women’s Day Event in Abuja
Reps aspirant Sarah Ivie Adidi has been honoured with the 2026 “Her Excellence Award” during an event marking International Women’s…
Governor Peter Mbah Urges Ndigbo to Return to Strategic Politics
Peter Mbah, Governor of Enugu State, has urged the Igbo political class to return to what he described as “strategic…
However, the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, adopted a cautious tone when contacted, stating that no official announcement had been made. He confirmed that consultations were ongoing but declined to confirm a definitive defection date.
Similarly, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr Yunusa Tanko, refused to comment directly on the issue, insisting that only Peter Obi could authoritatively speak on his political decisions.
Meanwhile, the Julius Abure-led National Working Committee of the Labour Party has played down the reports of Obi’s planned defection. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, said the Labour Party would not make any conclusive statement until Obi personally addresses the matter.
Ifoh described defections as a common feature of Nigerian politics, adding that the Labour Party does not view Obi’s possible exit as extraordinary. He argued that any decision by Obi to leave would be based on personal ambition rather than structural failure within the party, while maintaining that the party would continue to thrive regardless.
While wishing Obi well, the LP spokesman noted that it would have been preferable for him to remain in the party and resolve internal disagreements through dialogue. He emphasised that the Labour Party provided the platform that propelled Obi to national prominence during the 2023 elections.
In a related development, the ADC has confirmed plans to hold its national convention in mid-2026 as part of broader efforts to reposition the party ahead of the 2027 polls. Abdullahi disclosed that the party is currently focused on nationwide mobilisation, membership expansion and strengthening its internal structures.
According to him, 2026 will be a defining year for the ADC, as the party prepares to select its presidential candidate, a process he said would significantly reshape political dynamics and energise party activities across the country. He revealed that the party intends to hold two conventions in 2026—one to ratify decisions of the National Executive Committee and another, around mid-year, to choose its presidential flagbearer.
Adding to the momentum within the ADC, former Anambra State Secretary to the State Government and diplomat, Oseloka Henry Obaze, has officially joined the party. Obaze, a close ally of Peter Obi and former member of his 2023 presidential campaign council, announced his membership eight months after disengaging from partisan politics on grounds of principle.
As Nigeria’s opposition space continues to evolve, Obi’s potential move to the ADC has reignited discussions about unity among opposition figures, coalition politics, and the strategies required to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress in 2027. Whether the anticipated defection materialises or not, it underscores the fluid and highly strategic nature of Nigeria’s political landscape as the next election cycle draws closer.