The 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate and former Anambra State governor, Mr Peter Obi has officially defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The declaration was made during a major political event at the Nike Lake Resort Hotel in Enugu, attended by prominent South-East leaders, supporters from the Obidient Movement, and key ADC figures, including National Chairman Senator David Mark.
Obi was joined in the movement by several high-profile South-East politicians including Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central), Senator Tony Nwoye (Anambra North), Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South), Afam Ogene (Ogbaru Federal Constituency), a former Imo Governor Achike Udenwa, and other influential figures.
The choice of Enugu as the venue was deliberate, symbolizing regional unity, with Obidient Movement leaders describing it as the “historical and political capital of the East.”
The development represents a significant realignment in Nigeria’s opposition landscape, consolidating South-East political strength under the ADC ahead of 2027.
Announcing his defection, Obi described the move as formalizing his participation in the ADC-led opposition coalition, aimed at uniting forces to rescue and transform Nigeria, in preparation for the 2027 elections.
He stated that the coalition would resist electoral malpractice through lawful means and emphasized the need for a broad national platform.
Obi said, “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.”
Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, who is the only sitting LP governor, has publicly confirmed he will not join Obi in defecting.
Otti stated that Obi personally informed him of the decision, to which he gave his blessings, but affirmed his commitment to remaining in and rebuilding the Labour Party.
