Faisal Salisu DambattaFormer Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, is set to formally join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) amid consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
A senior ADC official in Abuja told Sunday PUNCH that Obi has concluded plans to defect to the party and is expected to hold a declaration rally in Enugu on December 31. According to the source, arrangements for the defection are already being made by Obi’s supporters and loyalists.
The official disclosed that Obi recently met with the ADC National Chairman, David Mark, following the party’s request that he clarify his position on joining the coalition about three weeks ago. The party’s stance, the source added, may have influenced Obi’s decision.
“Although he has not formally informed the party, we are aware of plans for his declaration in Enugu. The information is genuine,” the source said, explaining that Enugu was chosen because it is regarded as the political capital of the South-East.
However, the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said there was no official confirmation yet, noting that consultations were still ongoing.
Similarly, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr Yunusa Tanko, declined to comment, insisting that only Obi could speak on the matter.
Reacting, the Labour Party downplayed the development. Its National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, said the party would not make a definitive statement until Obi personally addressed the issue.
“Anybody can defect from anywhere to anywhere. It is normal in Nigerian politics,” Ifoh said, adding that the party would continue to thrive regardless of Obi’s decision. He maintained that it would have been preferable for Obi to resolve differences internally but wished him well if he chose to leave.
Meanwhile, the ADC has announced plans to hold its national convention in mid-2026 as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections. Abdullahi said the party was focused on nationwide mobilisation, membership expansion and internal consolidation.
He revealed that the party plans to hold two conventions in 2026—one to ratify decisions taken by the National Executive Committee and another to select its presidential candidate, expected around the middle of the year.
According to him, the emergence of a presidential candidate would significantly reshape political dynamics and boost momentum within the party ahead of the 2027 polls.
