Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has reportedly finalised arrangements to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and will formally declare his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election under the party’s platform at a rally in Enugu on Wednesday.
A senior ADC official in Abuja told DAILY GAZETTE that Obi has agreed to pitch his tent with the ADC after weeks of consultations between his team and the party leadership.
The official said preparations are in high gear for the event, which is expected to draw supporters, political figures and party faithful from across the South-East and beyond.
According to the source, Obi’s decision to align with the ADC followed intensive meetings with the party’s National Chairman, David Mark, where talks centred on the former Anambra governor’s vision for national leadership and the need for a credible platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The source added that about three weeks ago, the ADC leadership formally asked Obi to clarify his political intentions and consider joining the party to strengthen its national outlook.
Enugu was chosen for the announcement because of its symbolic status as the political nerve centre of the South-East, the source explained.
Supporters of Obi are already mobilising logistics and security arrangements to ensure the rally runs smoothly.
While no official communication has yet been received by the national leadership of the ADC, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, confirmed that consultations are ongoing.
“There is no formal announcement at this time,” Abdullahi said, adding that the party remains committed to due process in all engagements.
Similarly, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr Yunusa Tanko, said only Obi can clarify his political plans, refusing to detail any specifics regarding the imminent declaration.
On its part, the Labour Party’s National Working Committee, led by Julius Abure, has played down the defection rumours.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, said leadership transitions and defections are part of Nigeria’s political reality and should not be exaggerated.
Ifoh maintained that any decision by Obi would be a personal choice and not a reflection of internal instability within the Labour Party.
He urged party supporters to remain focused on organisational strengthening as the 2027 elections approach.
In related developments, the ADC has announced plans to hold its national convention in mid-2026 as part of efforts to reposition the party ahead of the general elections.
The party plans to ratify decisions taken by its National Executive Committee and elect its presidential flag bearer during the conventions as it intensifies grassroots mobilisation and nationwide restructuring.
