A former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, is set to formally join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following weeks of consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
A principal official of the ADC in Abuja told Sunday PUNCH that Obi has concluded plans to defect to the party and is expected to publicly declare his membership at a rally scheduled for December 31 in Enugu, regarded as the political capital of the South-East.
According to the party official, preparations are already underway by Obi’s supporters and loyalists to facilitate the planned defection.
The source disclosed that Obi recently met with the National Chairman of the ADC, David Mark, after the party asked him about three weeks ago to make a clear decision on joining the coalition. The meeting, the official said, may have influenced Obi’s final resolve to align with the party.
On December 7, the ADC had responded to a statement attributed to Obi in which he described the party as unstable, urging the former Anambra State governor to make up his mind on whether he intended to join the coalition.
Speaking with Sunday PUNCH, the party source said,
“We are aware that Peter Obi is making plans to declare for the ADC on December 31 in Enugu. Although he has yet to formally inform the party, the plans are genuine.”
Explaining why the declaration is expected to take place in Enugu rather than Anambra State, Obi’s home state, the source said the decision was symbolic.
“Enugu is the political capital of the South-East. Obi is representing the region, not just his state. That must have informed his decision,” the official added.
However, the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said he could not officially confirm Obi’s planned defection.
“The point is that there is no official announcement yet. But consultations are ongoing,” he said.
Similarly, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr Yunusa Tanko, declined to comment directly on the development, insisting that only Obi could speak authoritatively on the matter.
Meanwhile, the Julius Abure-led National Working Committee of the Labour Party downplayed reports of Obi’s planned exit.
The LP National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, said the party would refrain from making any definitive pronouncement until Obi personally addresses the issue.
“We cannot fully comment on that until we hear from Obi. As we normally say, anybody can defect from anywhere to anywhere. It is normal in Nigerian politics. Labour Party doesn’t see it as a big deal,” Ifoh said.
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 disclosed to that the party is currently focused on nationwide mobilization, membership expansion and internal consolidation.
He explained that ongoing membership registration would form the foundation for future congresses and conventions, describing 2026 as a defining year for the party.
“Don’t forget that by June or July, at the latest, we must have a presidential candidate. That will also add to the momentum and redraw the political dynamic,” he said.
Abdullahi added that once a presidential candidate emerges and aspirants begin contesting governorship positions, political activities within the party would intensify nationwide.
He clarified that the ADC plans to hold two conventions in 2026.
“We will have the first convention to ratify the decisions that the NEC has taken this year. We will have another one to decide our next presidential candidate. That will come towards the middle of the year. But I cannot give you a definite date for now,” he said.
