LABOUR PARTY REACTS TO PETER OBI’S PLANNED DEFECTON TO ADC

Abuja, Nigeria — The Labour Party (LP) has publicly responded to widespread reports that its former 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, is preparing to formally defect to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) amid ongoing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to sources within the LP, the party is not making any definitive pronouncement until Obi himself issues a formal statement. The party’s National Publicity Secretary emphasized that political defections are a normal part of Nigerian politics, and LP does not regard the rumours as an immediate crisis.

An official statement reiterated that any individual’s decision to leave one party for another should be understood within the broader context of personal ambition and strategic calculation. Although the party described it as preferable for Obi to work within LP, it stressed LP remains united and focused on its political priorities regardless of ongoing discussions about Obi’s future.

At the same time, multiple reports indicate that Obi’s supporters and loyalists have already begun preparations for his potential declaration in Enugu State, which is being touted as the political capital of the South-East region. Obi met with ADC leadership, including its National Chairman, as part of ongoing consultations after the ADC requested a decision on his entry into the party.

Despite the speculation, the ADC’s national spokesperson has said there has been no official announcement yet, and consultations remain ongoing. This ambiguity has kept political observers and commentators watching closely as Nigeria’s opposition landscape shifts ahead of 2027.

Political analysts note that if Obi were to complete a move to the ADC — a party that has already attracted other prominent opposition figures — it could reshape coalition dynamics and opposition strategies leading to the next major election.