Eight Lawmakers Set To Join Peter Obi at ADC

Eight Lawmakers Set To Join Peter Obi at ADC.
Eight federal lawmakers from Anambra set to follow him.
ADC says Obi’s move strengthens opposition ahead of 2027.

Nigeria’s opposition political space witnessed a major shift on Wednesday as former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, officially defected to the African Democratic Congress, ADC, with at least eight federal lawmakers reportedly preparing to follow his move.

EDITOR’S PICKS

EKO HOT BLOG reports that Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, announced his defection at a ceremony held in Enugu, where he urged Nigerians and opposition leaders to unite under a broad coalition to confront what he described as worsening poverty, national disunity and democratic decline.

Explaining his exit from the Labour Party, Obi said his decision was driven by patriotism and the urgent need for collective political action.

“This decision is guided solely by patriotism and national interest. I now respectfully call on my political associates, the Obidient Movement, and opposition leaders across the country to join this broad national coalition under the African Democratic Congress. History will not forgive silence in moments of national peril,” he said.

In a post on his verified X handle, Obi disclosed that several prominent political figures attended the defection event. He listed senators Enyinnaya Abaribe, Victor Umeh, Tony Nwoye and Gilbert Nnaji among those present.

Other notable attendees included High Chief Ben Obi, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, Professor Pat Utomi, Professor Osita Ogbu and ADC National Chairman, Chief Ralph Nwosu.

Findings by Sunday Punch revealed that eight federal lawmakers from Anambra State are aligning with Obi in leaving the Labour Party. The group reportedly includes three senators and five members of the House of Representatives.

The House members are Afamefuna Ogene of Ogbaru Federal Constituency, Oby Orogbu of Awka North and South, Harris Okonkwo of Idemili North and South, Emeka Godwin of Onitsha North and South, and George Ozodinobi of Dunukofia, Njikoka and Anaocha.

Their defections have not yet been formally announced on the floor of the National Assembly.

Eight Lawmakers Set To Join Peter Obi at ADC

Reacting to the development, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said Obi’s entry had significantly boosted the party’s momentum ahead of the 2027 general election, adding that discussions were ongoing with more lawmakers and political leaders.