2027: I’m not ‘joining’ ADC on December 31, Says Peter Obi

Former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has moved to clear the air over reports that he is set to formally defect to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on December 31, insisting that he is not joining the party because he has been part of the coalition from its inception.

Obi made the clarification on Sunday night during an interactive X Spaces session, where he addressed supporters and spoke on the ongoing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“I am not joining ADC. I can’t re-join what I am already a part of,” Obi said.

“I have been part of the coalition from day one.”

He also dismissed speculations that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar or any other key figure within the coalition had stepped down for him.

“Nobody is stepping down for me in ADC. We have all agreed to work together, and Atiku remains my respected leader,” he stated.

Obi confirms 2027 presidential ambition

During the discussion, Obi reaffirmed his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election, firmly ruling out the possibility of accepting a vice-presidential slot.

“I am not travelling round the world to learn governance to be vice president,” he said.

“I know how to turn Nigeria around. I built my business from scratch and have more experience than any candidate, including the sitting President.”

He expressed confidence that he would be on the ballot in 2027 and appealed to supporters for continued prayers and backing.

Obi was the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, where he emerged as a strong challenger, especially among young voters and in major urban centres. Although he contested the outcome of the election, the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal and the Supreme Court upheld the victory of President Bola Tinubu.

Before contesting the presidency, Obi served two terms as governor of Anambra State between 2006 and 2014, following his impeachment, reinstatement and re-election. He was also the vice-presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 general election.

Loyalists move to ADC

Obi’s remarks come amid the defection of several of his loyalists to the ADC, a development that has fuelled speculation about his political future.

Among those who have joined the party is Henry Oseloka Obaze, a former PDP governorship candidate in Anambra State. Announcing his defection, Obaze said the decision was based on principle.

“Eight months ago, I disengaged from partisan politics on grounds of principle. Today, I am a proud card-carrying member of ADC. We must rethink and reunite Nigeria. Much work lies ahead,” he said.

Reports indicate that several serving senators, lawmakers elected on the LP platform and PDP chieftains in the South-East are involved in the movement. Those named include Senators Victor Umeh, Tony Nwoye and Enyinnaya Abaribe, PDP stalwart Ben Obi, and members of the Obidient Movement across the region.

Obi’s spokesman, Val Obienyem, confirmed ongoing consultations, while Senator Victor Umeh disclosed that a major gathering of Obi’s supporters would take place in Enugu on December 31.

Atiku denies stepping down

Meanwhile, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed reports suggesting he had withdrawn from the 2027 presidential race in Obi’s favour.

Atiku’s media adviser, Paul Ibe, described the reports as false and misleading, posting on X: “Fake news: Not on the menu!”