ADC Gains Momentum as Peter Obi Formalises Defection

• Peter Obi’s move from the Labour Party to the African Democratic Congress has begun to strengthen the party’s influence in the South, with at least eight federal lawmakers reportedly set to defect.

The defection of the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has started to boost the party’s political strength in southern Nigeria, with no fewer than eight federal lawmakers reportedly preparing to officially join the party.

Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, formally joined the ADC in Enugu on Wednesday, where he called on Nigerians and opposition groups to unite under a broad national coalition to “rescue Nigeria from poverty, disunity and democratic decline.”

Explaining his decision to leave the Labour Party, Obi said the move was driven by patriotism and the need to challenge the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“This decision is guided solely by patriotism and national interest. I now respectfully call on my political associates, the Obidient Movement, and opposition leaders across the country to join this broad national coalition under the African Democratic Congress. History will not forgive silence in moments of national peril,” he said.

In a post shared on his verified X handle later on Wednesday, Obi disclosed that several serving lawmakers were present at his defection ceremony, signalling their readiness to join the ADC.

According to him, senators present included Enyinnaya Abaribe, Victor Umeh, Tony Nwoye, and Gilbert Nnaji, alongside other prominent political figures, members of the House of Representatives, state legislators, and community leaders.

Sources at the event disclosed that eight federal lawmakers—comprising three serving senators and five members of the House of Representatives from Anambra State—were announced as having collectively defected to the ADC.

The House of Representatives members are Afamefuna Ogene (Ogbaru Federal Constituency), Oby Orogbu (Awka North/Awka South), Harris Okonkwo (Idemili North/Idemili South), Emeka Godwin (Onitsha North/Onitsha South), and George Ozodinobi (Dunukofia/Njikoka/Anaocha). However, their defections are yet to be formally announced on the floor of the National Assembly.

Speaking to Sunday PUNCH, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi said Obi’s defection had significantly boosted the party’s momentum ahead of the 2027 general election.

“Obi’s defection has given traction to the ADC, and we are expecting more quality politicians like him to join us. Discussions are ongoing, and the engagements have been positive so far,” Abdullahi said, adding that more lawmakers were expected to join in the coming weeks.

The ADC has been positioning itself as a major opposition platform under the leadership of former Senate President David Mark as National Chairman and former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary.

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The party has also attracted other high-profile figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi, both of whom have indicated interest in contesting the ADC’s presidential ticket in 2027.

Reacting to concerns over recent defections of some governors to the ruling APC, Obidient National Leader Yunusa Tanko said Obi remained a popular candidate capable of outperforming his 2023 election results.

“People want genuine change, and Obi represents that,” Tanko said, insisting that political officeholders could not solely determine electoral outcomes, as voters ultimately decide.