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.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has signalled a return to intense political activity from January 2026, amid indications of renewed tension between him and Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

Although Wike did not mention any individual by name, his comments suggested that the understanding earlier reached between his political camp and that of the Rivers governor may be under strain following the most recent peace agreement.

The former Rivers State governor made the remarks on Saturday while addressing political stakeholders and supporters in Ahoada East, shortly after a thanksgiving service organised by former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and South-South Development Commission leader, Chibudom Nwuche.

According to Wike, he and his allies would “resume full politics” in January, stressing that political agreements must be honoured without deviation.

“You know me. An agreement is an agreement. If there is something you cannot do, do not say it. Nobody can use us to say yes today and turn around tomorrow,” he said.

Wike questioned the sudden emergence of political actors loudly professing loyalty to President Bola Tinubu, particularly those now chanting the slogan, “On your mandate we stand.”

He asked where such voices were during the uncertainty of the 2023 general elections.

He reassured his supporters that there was no cause for concern, urging them to remain steadfast and calm, while insisting that his camp had never wavered in its support for President Tinubu.

Reflecting on the 2023 elections, Wike recalled that many politicians were reluctant to openly back Tinubu at a critical moment, noting that his political group took a firm position despite the risks involved.

“In politics, you must take a decision, whether good or bad. We took that decision and stood firm,” he said.

The FCT minister described himself as one of the most criticised politicians in the country after the President, attributing the attacks to his insistence on fidelity to political agreements.

According to him, some politicians have turned criticism of his person into a strategy for personal or financial gain, claiming that attacking him has become a shortcut to relevance.

Wike assured his supporters that their loyalty and sacrifices would not go unrewarded, adding that decisions taken by his political camp were driven by conviction rather than convenience.

“You stood firm even when you were not empowered. Remain strong. At the right time, we will speak,” he said, thanking his supporters for remaining loyal despite provocations.

He concluded by urging calm, insisting that “nothing is happening” and that all political developments would be addressed at the appropriate time.

Earlier, Nwuche commended Wike for what he described as his developmental contributions to the Ekpeye Kingdom, particularly the elevation of traditional stools in the area.

He noted that the kingdom now has seven first-class stools, compared to just one previously, attributing the change to Wike’s leadership.

Nwuche also advised leaders to use power responsibly and in the interest of the people, adding that Wike’s supporters remained loyal because they had benefited from his leadership.

The newly appointed General Manager and Chief Executive of the Enugu State Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA), Hon. Monday Diamond Ani, has officially assumed office, pledging to deepen community-driven development across the state.

Ani resumed duties on Monday in line with the directive of the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, and was warmly received by the former Acting General Manager, Mrs. Ugochukwu Okechukwu, alongside members of staff of the agency.

Speaking shortly after assuming office, Ani assured the governor and the people of Enugu State of his commitment to delivering on the administration’s development agenda, particularly in rural communities.

He described the CSDA as a strategic institution with enormous responsibilities, noting that the office demands dedication, discipline and a results-oriented approach to achieve meaningful impact.

“I will not let His Excellency down. This is a huge responsibility, and I am fully prepared to give my best in line with the vision and leadership philosophy of the governor,” he said.

Ani emphasised his passion for improving lives at the grassroots, stressing that his administration would prioritise projects that directly touch communities and uplift living standards across rural Enugu State.

He further expressed gratitude to Governor Mbah for the confidence reposed in him, describing the appointment as both an honour and a call to service.

The new CSDA boss pledged to deploy his academic background and experience to attract impactful programmes and accelerate community development initiatives.

He assured staff of a collaborative leadership style, promising to work closely with all stakeholders to deliver unprecedented results in line with the administration’s development objectives.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has warned that Nigeria’s political class may be caught off guard in the 2027 general elections, insisting that hunger, anger and deepening public frustration will play a decisive role in shaping voter behaviour.

Speaking during an extensive interaction with select media professionals in Ibadan, Makinde said political defections by governors and elites do not reflect the true mood of the electorate, stressing that ordinary Nigerians are increasingly disconnected from elite political calculations.

According to him, “People talk about governors defecting, but what about hunger? What about anger in the land? Those things have not defected. Nigerians will shock politicians and elites in 2027 in ways we cannot yet imagine.”

The governor used the session to showcase his administration’s achievements under the Omituntun agenda, outline his economic philosophy, and speak candidly on national politics, the crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), governance under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the future of Nigeria’s democracy.

On governance in Oyo State, Makinde said his government has deliberately shifted focus from dependence on federal allocations to expanding the state’s productive base through infrastructure, agribusiness, solid minerals and tourism.

He explained that the N892 billion 2026 budget, tagged “Budget of Economic Expansion,” is anchored on realistic revenue projections, improved investment inflows and disciplined budget performance.

“Our FAAC averages about N19 to N20 billion monthly, while IGR is roughly N8 billion. But beyond that, we have investments and capital receipts. We don’t just do projects that don’t make economic sense. Infrastructure must drive growth,” he said.

Makinde noted that Oyo State has maintained a budget performance of about 70 to 75 per cent over the past six years and has avoided introducing new taxes, opting instead to broaden the tax net by stimulating economic activity.

On social impact, he said regular payment of salaries by the 25th of every month injects about N33 billion into the state’s economy every four weeks, benefitting traders, artisans and small businesses.

He added that the state’s SAFER programme focuses on subsidising productivity rather than distributing handouts.

“We don’t give people money to sit at home. We subsidise transportation, support productive efforts and create opportunities for people to lift themselves out of poverty,” he said.

Addressing the controversial Ibadan circular road project, Makinde said the initiative predates his administration and is designed to support long-term industrial and commercial development.

He insisted that affected residents are being compensated, including those without formal land documents, in order to minimise hardship.

On national politics, Makinde expressed concern over what he described as Nigeria’s gradual drift toward a one-party state, warning that such a development could threaten democratic stability.

“Nigeria was negotiated on federalism and multi-party democracy. If you move this country towards a one-party state, it won’t work. When people don’t have leadership choices, they will find leaders by all means, and the consequences can be severe,” he warned.

The governor admitted regretting his role in supporting President Tinubu during the 2023 election, saying expectations of a government of national unity and competence have not been met.

“I supported the President believing Nigeria would be reset with competence and inclusiveness. That has not happened. I regret that decision,” he said.

Makinde also shed light on the deepening crisis within the PDP, blaming it on internal betrayal and attempts to weaken the opposition.

He insisted that the party’s convention held in Ibadan was valid and that internal party matters should not be manipulated to undermine democracy.

On speculation about a possible presidential ambition in 2027, Makinde said he is qualified to lead Nigeria but stressed that personal ambition is secondary to the survival of democracy.

“At this point, individual ambition is tertiary. What matters is creating a competitive political environment so democracy can survive,” he said.

He added that governance must rise above partisanship, noting that his administration has continued to work with the Federal Government where necessary, including securing approvals for infrastructure projects such as the upgrade of the Ibadan airport and repairs of federal roads.

On security, Makinde credited cooperation between federal agencies and the state-backed Amotekun corps for Oyo State’s relative stability, while urging the Federal Government to rethink its strategy beyond kinetic measures.

As he approaches the final phase of his second term, Makinde said his priority is building institutions that will outlive his administration, rather than personal legacy projects.

“We don’t want to be remembered just for roads. We want to be remembered for institutions that guarantee good governance long after we leave office,” he said.