Peter Obi defects to ADC, quits Labour Party ahead of 2027 battle

Former Anambra State governor and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has formally dumped the Labour Party and joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), signalling a major realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Obi announced his defection after resigning from the Labour Party at a political event held on Wednesday at the Nike Lake Resort in Enugu.

Speaking at the gathering, the former governor said his move was driven by a renewed resolve to build a credible platform for national renewal.

“We are ending this year with the hope that in 2026 we will begin a rescue journey,” Obi said.

“We will resist rigging of the election by every lawful means in 2027.”

The event was attended by key figures within the ADC, including the party’s national chairman, David Mark, underscoring the significance of Obi’s entry into the party.

Obi, who was the Labour Party’s presidential flagbearer in the 2023 elections, emerged as a dominant third-force candidate, galvanising youth support and reshaping Nigeria’s electoral conversation.

His defection to the ADC is expected to have far-reaching implications for opposition politics as parties reposition ahead of the next general election.