Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi, has officially defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), signalling a major political realignment ahead of the 2027 general election.
Obi announced his defection on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, in Enugu, confirming weeks of speculation about his next political move following internal challenges within the Labour Party and ongoing coalition talks among opposition figures.
Speaking during the announcement, the former Anambra State governor said his decision to join the coalition-backed ADC was driven by the need to “transform and rescue Nigeria”, stressing that the country requires a united and credible political force to confront its mounting challenges.
“We are ending this year with the hope that in 2026 we will begin a rescue journey,” Obi declared, drawing applause from supporters and party stakeholders present at the event.
He further reaffirmed his commitment to electoral integrity, vowing that the coalition would not tolerate manipulation of the democratic process in the next general election.
“We will resist rigging of elections by every lawful means in 2027,” Obi added.
Those present at the event included former Senate President and National Chairman of the ADC, David Mark; former Sokoto State Governor, Senator Aminu Tambuwal; former governors from the South-East; and other dignitaries.
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 were also in attendance.
Obi’s defection is expected to reshape the opposition landscape and strengthen the ADC-led coalition as political activities gradually build up toward the 2027 polls.