Nigeria’s political scene ahead of the 2027 general elections appears headed for a major realignment, with indications that the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, will defect to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) before the end of the year.
This development comes amid a firm denial by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of reports suggesting that he had withdrawn from the 2027 presidential race in Obi’s favour. Atiku described the claims as false and misleading.
Speculation had circulated that Atiku, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the 2023 elections, had stepped down for Obi and agreed to support a one-term presidency to promote regional balance. However, Atiku’s media adviser, Paul Ibe, dismissed the reports, branding them as fake.
Reacting over the weekend, Ibe shared a screenshot of the claim on his verified X account, stating: “Fake news: Not on the menu!”
Meanwhile, the national leadership of the ADC said it was determined not to repeat what it described as the failure of the 2015 political change, assuring Nigerians of a different governance approach.
Obi’s anticipated move to the ADC is expected to end months of speculation over his political future. Reports indicate that he will defect alongside serving senators, other lawmakers elected on the LP platform, and some PDP members in the South-East.
It was gathered that those expected to join Obi include Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central), Tony Nwoye (Anambra North), Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South), PDP chieftain Ben Obi, as well as members of the Obidient Movement in the region. It remains unclear whether Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, recently courted by the PDP, will be part of the defection.
Obi’s spokesperson, Val Obienyem, confirmed the development, responding via text message that the report was true.
Senator Umeh disclosed that the formal event would take place in Enugu and would bring together Obi’s supporters from across the South-East.
According to him, supporters from Abia, Anambra, Imo and Ebonyi states are expected to converge in Enugu for the exercise scheduled for December 31.
Commenting on the development, elder statesman Chekwas Okorie described Obi’s expected defection to the ADC as a positive step that could significantly alter political calculations ahead of the 2027 elections.
Similarly, the National President of the Njiko Igbo Forum, Okechukwu Obioha, pledged support for Obi, while cautioning the ADC against compromising merit and integrity in selecting its presidential candidate. He described Obi as a symbol of hope for national renewal.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi said Nigerians have high expectations of the party, stressing that it must not fail if it succeeds in unseating the President Bola Tinubu-led All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
Abdullahi noted that Nigerians are still grappling with the consequences of what he termed governance failures that followed the APC’s victory over the PDP in 2015 and the election of the late President Muhammadu Buhari.
He also dismissed claims that the ADC-led coalition had lost momentum following the unveiling of its national leadership, explaining that electoral success requires strategy and organisation beyond public excitement.
