- the Labour Party spokesman said it would have been preferable for Obi to resolve any differences internally
- According to the source, mobilisation efforts are already underway, with Obi’s supporters and political associates
- The party insider revealed that the former Anambra State governor recently held a closed-door meeting with the ADC’s National Chairman
Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, is reportedly preparing to formally align with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following weeks of political consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Eko Hot Blog reports that a senior party figure within the ADC disclosed that Obi has concluded arrangements to publicly declare his membership of the party at a planned rally in Enugu, widely regarded as the political hub of the South-East, on December 31.
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According to the source, mobilisation efforts are already underway, with Obi’s supporters and political associates making preparations for the anticipated announcement.
The party insider revealed that the former Anambra State governor recently held a closed-door meeting with the ADC’s National Chairman, David Mark, after the party asked him to take a clear position on joining the coalition about three weeks ago.
The source noted that the ADC’s firm stance may have influenced Obi’s decision, recalling that the party had earlier urged him to clarify his political direction following comments in which he reportedly described the ADC as unstable.
Speaking further, the official said although Obi has not officially notified the party leadership, there are strong indications that plans for the declaration are genuine and advanced.
Explaining why Enugu was chosen over Anambra State for the expected declaration, the source said the decision reflects regional representation rather than state loyalty, describing Enugu as the political nerve centre of the South-East.
However, the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said he could not confirm Obi’s defection, stressing that no formal announcement had been made, even though consultations were ongoing.
Similarly, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr Yunusa Tanko, declined to comment on the matter, insisting that only Obi could speak authoritatively on his political future.
Meanwhile, the Labour Party leadership has played down reports of Obi’s imminent exit. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, said the party would withhold any official response until Obi personally addresses the issue.
Ifoh added that political defections are not unusual in Nigeria and maintained that any decision by Obi to leave would be based on personal ambition rather than failure on the part of the party.
While expressing no resentment, the Labour Party spokesman said it would have been preferable for Obi to resolve any differences internally and continue working with the party that supported his 2023 presidential bid.
Meanwhile, the ADC has disclosed 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 is currently focused on grassroots mobilisation, membership expansion, and internal restructuring, noting that nationwide registration would lay the groundwork for future congresses.
He described 2026 as a crucial year for the ADC, explaining that the emergence of a presidential candidate would significantly reshape the party’s momentum and national outlook.
According to him, the party plans to hold two conventions in 2026—one to ratify decisions taken by the National Executive Committee and another to select its presidential flagbearer.
He added that while discussions on dates are ongoing, the presidential candidate is expected to emerge by mid-2026, which would energise the party and alter political dynamics nationwide.
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