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By Oscar Okhifo
Former presidential candidate and ex-governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, has dumped the Labour Party (LP) for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), officially aligning with a coalition-backed platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Obi announced his defection on Tuesday during a political gathering held at the Nike Lake Resort in Enugu, which drew supporters, party leaders and members of the emerging opposition coalition from across the country.
Speaking at the event, the former Anambra governor said the decision was part of a broader plan to reposition Nigeria and offer citizens renewed hope through collective political action.
“We are ending this year with the hope that in 2026 we will begin a rescue journey,” Obi said.
He stressed that the coalition was determined to uphold democratic values and ensure credible elections, warning against electoral malpractice ahead of the next general polls.
“We will resist rigging of election by every lawful means in 2027,” he added.
Obi’s defection represents a major shift in Nigeria’s opposition landscape, coming two years after his impressive performance in the 2023 presidential election on the Labour Party platform.
The move is expected to boost the standing of the ADC-led coalition and attract wider support from voters seeking an alternative to the ruling party.
Analysts say Obi’s entry into the ADC could trigger further political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, as opposition leaders intensify consultations on coalition strategy, internal structures and the selection of candidates.
Sources within the coalition disclosed that details of Obi’s responsibilities, as well as the group’s broader roadmap towards 2027, will be formally unveiled in the coming months.