Eshioromeh Sebastian in Abuja
Former Labour Party presidential candidate Mr. Peter Obi is set to officially defect to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) later today, Wednesday, at a ceremony in Enugu, the historical capital of South-East Nigeria.
The event, scheduled for the Nike Lake Hotel, Enugu, is expected to be attended by national leaders of the ADC and a significant contingent of the Obidient Movement, the grassroots support base that propelled Obi’s 2023 presidential bid.
Dr. Yunusa Tanko, a leader of the movement, explained in a recent interview that Enugu was chosen to make a definitive regional statement, noting, “it adds historical solidity when the East wants to make a statement.”
Today’s defection follows months of speculation and internal crises within the Labour Party. Obi’s imminent move will position him formally within the ADC’s coalition, which he has stated he has been part of “from day one,” framing the transition as a collective effort “to rescue our nation.”
However, the switch sets the stage for a potentially contentious primary battle within the ADC, a party where former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is also keen on securing the presidential ticket and is seen as a major financier.
Obi’s impending declaration comes on the heels of his unambiguous vow to seek the presidency outright, rejecting any possibility of being a running mate. “I will contest as President of Nigeria. I will be on the ballot in 2027… I’m not traveling around the world to learn governance just to be a vice-presidential candidate,” he stated during a recent virtual engagement with supporters.
While ADC leaders have expressed openness, with one chieftain stating “our doors are wide open,” some within Obi’s own camp have voiced reservations. Dr. Katch Onanuju, a pioneer Obidient leader, warned that Obi may be joining “a little bit late,” facing “already entrenched interests” that could oppose his candidacy.
Political analysts view Obi’s imminent defection as a critical strategy to consolidate the opposition, leveraging the ADC as a “sanctuary” platform believed to be less infiltrated by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Obi, anchoring his campaign on his private sector background and gubernatorial record, has positioned himself as the antithesis to the current administration, citing “fiscal rascality” as the nation’s core problem.
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