Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, may soon pitch his tent with the African Democratic Congress as consultations intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
A senior party official in Abuja told DAILY GAZETTE that Obi has concluded arrangements to formally align with the ADC and is expected to announce his decision at a rally planned for December 31 in Enugu, widely regarded as the political nerve centre of the South-East.
According to the source, preparations are already underway by Obi’s supporters and associates to facilitate the defection, although no formal notification has yet been received by the party leadership.
The official disclosed that about three weeks ago, the ADC leadership asked the former Anambra State governor to take a clear position on joining the party.
Subsequently, Obi reportedly met with the party’s National Chairman, David Mark, where discussions centred on reaffirming his commitment to the coalition.
The source said the party’s stance and internal consultations may have influenced Obi’s reported decision to finally align with the ADC.
Earlier this month, the party had publicly urged Obi to clarify his intentions after comments attributed to him described the ADC as unstable.
Speaking on the choice of Enugu for the anticipated declaration, the party official said the decision was symbolic rather than personal.
“Enugu is regarded as the political capital of the South-East. Obi is projecting himself as a regional figure, not just an Anambra politician,” the source explained.
However, the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said there had been no official confirmation of Obi’s defection.
“There is no formal announcement at this time. What is happening is that consultations are still ongoing,” he said.
Similarly, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr Yunusa Tanko, declined to speak on the matter, insisting that only Obi could clarify his political plans.
Meanwhile, the Julius Abure-led National Working Committee of the Labour Party has played down reports of Obi’s imminent exit.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, said the leadership would not take a definitive position until Obi personally addresses the issue.
According to him, party defections remain a common feature of Nigeria’s political landscape and should not be overdramatized.
He said any decision by Obi to leave would be driven by personal political ambition rather than internal weaknesses within the Labour Party, adding that the party would continue to function and grow regardless.
While noting that the party bore no resentment, Ifoh said it would have been preferable for Obi to remain and resolve outstanding issues internally.
He urged the former presidential candidate to consider reconciliation with party leaders, but added that the party respected his right to make personal political choices.
ADC eyes convention, presidential ticket
In a related development, the ADC has announced plans to hold its national convention in mid-2026 as part of efforts to reposition the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
Abdullahi said the party was currently focused on grassroots mobilisation, expanding its membership base and strengthening internal structures nationwide.
He noted that 2026 would be a critical year for the party, particularly as the emergence of a presidential candidate would reshape its political momentum and national outlook.
According to him, the party intends to produce its presidential flag bearer by mid-year, a move expected to stimulate interest in other elective positions, including governorship contests.
Abdullahi added that the ADC plans to hold two conventions in 2026, one to ratify decisions already taken by the National Executive Committee and another to elect the party’s presidential candidate.
He said while discussions on dates were still ongoing, preparations were firmly underway.
