Enugu – In a seismic political earthquake that has radically altered Nigeria’s opposition landscape, Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has officially dumped the party and defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), triggering a wave of defections by influential South-East political heavyweights.
The stunning announcement was made on Wednesday at a packed political gathering at the Nike Lake Resort Hotel, Enugu, deliberately framed as a historic Eastern rallying point to signal unity, resolve, and readiness for a national power contest.
Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with top political figures including Senators Victor Umeh, Tony Nwoye, Enyinnaya Abaribe, former Governor Sam Egwu, former Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha, and other key stakeholders, Obi declared an end to months of uncertainty surrounding his political future.
“Today, as the last day of 2025, we are ending this year with hope,” Obi said. “We will begin a genuine journey to rescue our country for proper socio-economic development that is unifying and inclusive.”
In a clear warning ahead of the 2027 general elections, Obi vowed that any attempt to manipulate or rig the polls would be resisted “by every lawful means,” while calling on the Obidient Movement, opposition blocs, and disillusioned Nigerians across party lines to rally under the ADC platform. The coalition is currently led by former Senate President David Mark as interim national chairman.
The defection effectively seals Obi’s break from the Labour Party, which carried his meteoric 2023 presidential run but has since been crippled by internal crises, leadership battles, and court disputes. Though Obi had been linked for months to the emerging ADC-led mega opposition coalition—also involving Atiku Abubakar, Nasir El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi and other national figures—he had remained officially in Labour Party until now.
Not all allies crossed over. Abia State Governor Alex Otti has insisted he remains in the Labour Party, setting the stage for potential political realignments within the South-East.
Political analysts say Obi’s move significantly strengthens ADC’s national profile and positions it as the most credible opposition force against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s APC ahead of 2027. However, insiders warn of intense internal battles ahead, particularly over presidential ticket zoning, coalition negotiations, and the ambitions of heavyweight contenders like Atiku Abubakar.
Supporters hail the defection as a bold, necessary step to unify the opposition and channel Nigeria’s widespread frustration into a viable electoral alternative. Critics, however, see looming power struggles and elite horse-trading that could test Obi’s reformist image.
One reality is undeniable: Nigeria’s 2027 race has officially caught fire. With Peter Obi’s mass appeal now fused with a growing national coalition, the political equation has changed dramatically.
The countdown has begun. The stakes are high. And the battle for Nigeria’s future is wide open.
No fear. No favor. Power belongs to the people — not party cabals.
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