By Seyi Odewale
The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has formally defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) alongside several prominent political leaders from the South-East, marking a significant realignment in Nigeria’s opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general election.
The declaration was made on Wednesday in Enugu, where political heavyweights from the region converged after what they described as months of consultations to adopt the ADC as a common platform for a broad-based opposition coalition.
Speaking on behalf of the group, the leaders said their decision was driven by the need to forge a united front capable of confronting what they described as years of poor governance under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“This is the beginning of a collective journey to rescue Nigeria,” Obi said, describing the defection as a strategic step towards building an inclusive and people-centred alternative to the ruling party.
Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, said the choice of the ADC was informed by the need for a credible national platform that could rally opposition forces across regions, ideologies and political backgrounds.
“Today, being the last day of 2025, we are ending the year with hope that in 2026 we will begin a genuine journey of national rescue—one anchored on unity, inclusiveness and proper socio-economic development,” he stated.
He accused elements within the political establishment of undermining democracy through intimidation and suppression of opposition voices, warning that such practices must not be allowed to continue.
“We have watched those who benefited from democracy become accessories to its destruction through coercion and gangsterism against the opposition. We will resist it,” Obi declared.
*’We will resist rigging in 2027’
Obi also issued a strong warning against electoral malpractice ahead of the 2027 general election, vowing that the opposition would lawfully resist any attempt to manipulate the process.
“Those planning to rig elections in 2027 should know that we will resist it by every lawful and legitimate means,” he said, urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to adhere to its constitutional responsibilities strictly.
He further stressed the need for clarity on eligibility requirements for elective offices, arguing that issues such as educational qualifications should no longer be subjects of controversy during election cycles.
*Political heavyweights join move
Among the South-East leaders who announced their defection to the ADC were former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha; Senators Victor Umeh, Tony Nwoye, Gilbert Nnaji, Enyinnaya Abaribe, and Sam Egwu; and former PDP National Chairman, Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo.
Others included Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, Mrs Josephine Anenih, former Imo State Governor Achike Udenwa, and several serving and retired members of the National Assembly.
The event also drew opposition figures from other parts of the country, including former Senate President and ADC National Chairman, David Mark, and former Sokoto State Governor, Senator Aminu Tambuwal.
Speaking at the rally, former Senator Ben Obi said the South-East leaders resolved that their collective political interest would be best served within the ADC, calling on other opposition parties to rally around the platform.
*APC describes move as’ politics of convenience’
Reacting swiftly, the Lagos State chapter of the APC dismissed Obi’s defection as “convenience politics disguised as principle,” accusing the former Labour Party candidate of serial party-switching driven by personal ambition.
In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Seye Oladejo, the party described the ADC-led coalition as an assemblage of “recycled ambitions and electoral failures” rather than a movement grounded in ideology or national interest.
“The ADC is not a coalition of ideas but a cartel of convenience. It is not about Nigeria; it is about power without responsibility,” the APC said.
The ruling party further alleged that Obi’s move was part of a pre-arranged political calculation, insisting that the coalition was conceived to advance individual ambitions rather than democratic reform.
Describing the defection as ironic, the APC accused Obi of returning to the same political establishment he once criticised, questioning his consistency and suitability for national leadership.
The party, however, expressed confidence that Nigerians would reject the ADC coalition in 2027, insisting that the APC would prevail at the polls.
