In a dramatic political shift on Wednesday, 31 December 2025, former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Gregory Obi formally announced his defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), signaling the start of a renewed opposition strategy ahead of the 2027 general elections. The move, long anticipated by political watchers nationwide, caps months of negotiation and speculation and marks a definitive end to Obi’s affiliation with the Labour Party.
The high-profile event at the Nike Lake Resort, Enugu, drew political heavyweights including former Senate President David Mark, ADC leaders, and a coalition of opposition figures — underscoring the significance of the transition and its implications for the evolving political landscape in Nigeria.
Addressing supporters and stakeholders, Obi framed his decision as a patriotic and unifying step aimed at rescuing Nigeria from what he described as deepening socio-economic decay and democratic erosion. He insisted the move was motivated not by ambition but by national interest and a collective mission to rescue Nigeria.
In his speech, Obi lamented the country’s socio-economic and political malaise — from endemic poverty and high unemployment to weakened democratic institutions and corruption. He called for electoral reforms, stronger democratic safeguards, and unity across ethnic and regional divides.
Obi’s remarks echoed throughout his address, emphasising a rejection of past electoral injustices. He vowed that the opposition would resist any attempt to rig the 2027 elections “by every lawful and legitimate means” — a clear signal to both political rivals and supporters that the fight for electoral integrity will be central to his new political chapter.
He warned against the manipulation of democratic processes, citing prior experiences where institutions meant to safeguard fairness failed Nigerians. Obi portrayed Nigeria’s troubles not as inevitable, but as the result of poor leadership and deliberate sabotage of the populace’s potential.
The ADC, a coalition-backed platform led by former Senate President David Mark, now counts Obi and a growing roster of opposition figures among its ranks. The strategy aligns with efforts to unify non-ruling parties and disaffected political actors around a single platform capable of challenging the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
Already, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar — another major presidential aspirant for 2027 — publicly welcomed Obi’s entry into the ADC and described it as a momentous step toward opposition unity and a formidable alternative to the ruling party.
The political wave sparked by Obi’s defection has elicited mixed reactions:
• Opposition thinkers and allies view the alliance as a necessary evolution of Nigeria’s fractured resistance to ruling party dominance. ADC supporters see the coalition as potentially reshaping the electoral contest dynamic.
• Meanwhile, the Presidency, speaking through a senior APC adviser, dismissed Obi’s move as lacking sincerity and accused him of political inconsistency and opportunism — a common critique leveled at politicians who shift party platforms.
• Within the Labour Party, some figures — such as Abia State Governor Alex Otti — confirmed their intention to remain loyal to the LP, stressing their commitment to rebuilding the party’s institutional strength despite Obi’s departure.
Obi’s formal entry into the ADC sets the stage for a multi-layered opposition coalition contesting the presidency, anchored on themes of national unity, democratic integrity, and socio-economic revival. His move also underscores broader debates within Nigeria’s political class about the efficacy of alliance politics versus party loyalty.
Analysts suggest the coalition could complicate the traditional APC–PDP duopoly, especially as the 2027 electoral calendar approaches and internal negotiations over candidacy, zoning, and running mates evolve.
