By Ayo Kehinde
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has officially joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a coalition-backed political party, in a move that signals a major realignment in Nigeria’s opposition landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
Obi made the announcement on Wednesday, December 31, in Enugu, describing his defection as part of a broader plan to transform and rescue the nation.
“We are ending this year with the hope that in 2026 we will begin a rescue journey”, Obi declared, emphasising his commitment to ensuring a free and fair electoral process in the upcoming polls.
“We will resist rigging of election by every lawful means in 2027”, he vowed.
The former Anambra State governor also called on opposition leaders to unite under the leadership of former Senate President, David Mark, urging them to work together as a family to steer Nigeria toward progress and good governance.
The announcement comes at a time of heightened political activity in the country, with parties already positioning themselves for the 2027 electoral contest. Obi’s defection underscores his continued influence and role as a key opposition figure in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
Those present at the event who also detected were former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha; Senators Ben Obi, Victor Umeh, Tony Nwoye, and Gilbert Nnaji; Chief Onyema Ugochukwu; Enyinnya Abaribe; Senator Sam Egwu; as well as several other Senators and members of the House of Representatives.
Political analysts say the move by Obi and the Southeast political leaders to the ADC could reshape the opposition’s strategy, potentially consolidating forces that seek to challenge the ruling party in the next general elections.
Meanwhile Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has reaffirmed his commitment to the Labour Party, stating unequivocally that he will not follow the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in defecting to another political platform.
Otti made the declaration during his monthly media chat in Umuahia, the state capital, emphasising his resolve to help rebuild the party that propelled him into political office.
Speaking in Enugu, Obi described his defection as part of a broader plan to transform and rescue the nation.
Governor Otti said Obi had communicated his defection to him but insisted he would continue the struggle to rescue the Labour Party.
“If you remember, I joined the Labour Party before Peter Obi, so I did not join the party with him. He has communicated to me that he is leaving the Labour Party. I gave him my blessings. But I will remain in the Labour Party, and I told him that I would continue the struggle to rescue the Labour Party. That is the party that brought me to power. If we fight and get to the end, and we are able to reposition the Labour Party, then we can discuss other options.
Therefore, for now, I am not defecting to any party,” he said.
The governor also addressed calls by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, urging him to join the All Progressives Congress (APC). Otti said he preferred to stay focused on governance and avoid distractions.
“Ordinarily, I would not respond to matters like that. However, those of you who listened to my Christmas message will recall that I called on our people who have enough to extend support to the less privileged, particularly persons with disabilities. Seeing that he heeded the call and distributed money to vulnerable people, I thank him for doing that,” Otti said.
He added with a note of principle and focus, “I have also taken a principled decision not to be provoked or condescending in my response. I am sure you are aware of a man called Winston Churchill. He was a two-time Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and lived from 1874 to 1965. He was a profound thinker and writer who said, ‘You will never get to your destination if you stop to throw stones at every dog that barks.’ We will remain focused on our job.”
