By Cajetan Mmuta, Awka
Fresh political tension is brewing in Anambra State as the Labour Party (LP) and African Democratic Congress (ADC) trade words over the true political allegiance of former Anambra governor and 2023 presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Director-General of the Labour Party’s Governorship Campaign Council for Dr George Moghalu, Arch. Okey Chukwuogo has debunked reports that Obi has defected to the ADC or is juggling dual membership.
Speaking in Awka on Sunday, Chukwuogo dismissed the claim as “deceitful and mischievous,” stressing that Obi remains a “committed and active member” of the Labour Party.
“Anybody claiming that Peter Obi belongs to two parties is living in deceit,” Chukwuogo declared. “Just two days ago, we campaigned with Obi at Umunya, Ogbunike, Achalla, Okpuno, Nibo, and Awka. At every rally, he publicly declared himself as the Labour Party and nothing else.”
He added that while political discussions around a coalition for 2027 were ongoing, “there is no guarantee that such a coalition would run under the ADC, nor that Obi will contest the presidency on that platform.”
“Peter wants to be President of Nigeria, but not in a coalition lacking clarity or direction,” he said. “He’s Labour Party through and through. We talk to him daily.”
However, in a counter reaction, Comrade Patrick Obianyo, Chairman of the ADC in Anambra State, insisted that Obi had openly associated with the coalition being midwifed under the ADC umbrella.
“The question about Obi’s actual membership can only be answered by him,” Obianyo told reporters. “But I know he said he is in the ADC because of the coalition arrangement that includes the Labour Party, despite their internal crises.”
Obianyo downplayed the influence of Obi’s endorsement in local elections, arguing that his “political magic” does not always translate to electoral victory.
“Obi’s popularity has limits,” the ADC chairman said. “He supported our candidates in previous bye-elections, and they lost. His support for Moghalu may not necessarily guarantee victory in November.”
The latest development has deepened uncertainty within both parties as political realignments intensify ahead of the November 8, 2025, Anambra governorship election and the 2027 presidential race.
