Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections is set for a major realignment as former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, prepares to formally defect to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on December 31, 2025, in Enugu.
The move is expected to end months of speculation over Obi’s political future following internal crises within the Labour Party. Sources confirmed that Obi will defect alongside several serving senators, lawmakers and members of the Obidient movement across the South-East.
Those expected to join the ADC with Obi include the Senator representing Anambra Central, Victor Umeh; Anambra North, Tony Nwoye; Abia South, Enyinnaya Abaribe; and former PDP chieftain Ben Obi, as well as other LP legislators and party loyalists in the region.
It remains unclear whether Abia State Governor Alex Otti will participate in the defection. The governor has recently been approached by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to return to the party and seek re-election in 2027.
Confirming the development, Obi’s spokesman, Val Obienyim, told The Guardian on Sunday that the defection would take place as scheduled.
“Yes, it is true,” he said in a text message.
Senator Victor Umeh also confirmed the event, stating that it would hold in Enugu and involve Obi’s supporters from across the South-East.
“They will come from Abia, Anambra, Imo and Ebonyi states to join those in Enugu, where this exercise will hold on December 31,” Umeh said.
Sources within the ADC indicated that Obi, who has publicly expressed interest in contesting the 2027 presidential election, is expected to seek the party’s presidential ticket.
Reacting to the development, elder statesman Chief Chekwas Okorie described Obi’s defection as a positive development for Nigeria’s democracy. He said a strengthened ADC would deepen opposition politics and reduce concerns about the emergence of a one-party state ahead of the next elections.
“The APC, ADC and possibly the PDP locking horns in 2027 promises a vibrant and competitive political contest that will offer Nigerians real choices,” Okorie said.
Similarly, Rev. Okechukwu Obioha, National President of the Njiko Igbo Forum, said the group would support Obi’s political aspirations, while urging the ADC to uphold merit and integrity in selecting its presidential candidate.
He described Obi as a symbol of hope for national renewal and cautioned against compromising internal party standards ahead of the 2027 polls