Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, is reportedly on the verge of officially joining the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following weeks of consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
A senior official of the ADC in Abuja told Sunday PUNCH that Obi had allegedly concluded plans to pitch his tent with the party and is expected to formally declare his intention at a rally scheduled to hold in Enugu on December 31. According to the source, preparations are already underway by Obi’s supporters and loyalists in anticipation of the announcement.
The official disclosed that Obi recently held talks with the ADC National Chairman, David Mark, after the party reportedly urged him about three weeks ago to take a clear position on joining its coalition. The party’s stance, the source said, may have influenced the former Anambra State governor’s decision.
Earlier in December, the ADC had publicly asked Obi to clarify his position after he was quoted as describing the party as unstable. The party responded on December 7 by urging him to either commit fully to the coalition or move on.
“We are aware that Peter Obi is planning to declare for the ADC on December 31 in Enugu. Although he has not officially informed the party, the arrangements are genuine,” the party source said.
Explaining why Enugu was chosen over Anambra State, Obi’s home base, the official noted that Enugu is widely regarded as the political capital of the South-East. “He is speaking for the entire region, not just his state,” the source added.
However, the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said he could not confirm the reported defection, stressing that no formal announcement had been made. “There is no official declaration yet, but consultations are ongoing,” he said.
Similarly, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr Yunusa Tanko, declined to comment on the development, insisting that only Obi himself could speak authoritatively on the issue.
Meanwhile, the Julius Abure-led National Working Committee of the Labour Party has played down reports of Obi’s impending exit. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, said Labour Party would not take a firm position until Obi personally addresses the matter.
“We cannot fully comment until we hear directly from Obi. Defections are normal in Nigerian politics, and the Labour Party does not see it as a big issue,” Ifoh said.
He added that any decision by Obi to leave would be based on personal political ambition rather than a failure of the party, stressing that the Labour Party would continue to grow regardless.
While noting that the party harbours no resentment, Ifoh said it would have been preferable for Obi to remain and resolve any disagreements internally. “The wisest option would be for him to stay and work with the party that gave him the platform he had in 2023. But if he chooses otherwise, we wish him well,” he added.