Obi Rejects VP Option, Confirms 2027 Presidential Ambition as Loyalists Shift to ADC ahead of Wed 

Peter Obi, former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, has confirmed that he will contest the 2027 presidential election, dismissing speculations that he could accept a vice-presidential slot as Nigeria’s opposition politics undergoes major realignments ahead of the polls.

Obi made the declaration on Sunday night during an interactive session on X Spaces, where he spoke directly to supporters and clarified his political direction amid ongoing coalition talks.

The former Anambra State governor said his political preparation and global engagements were not aimed at becoming a vice president.

“I am not travelling round the world to learn governance to be vice president,” Obi 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 added emphatically: “Peter Obi will be on the ballot in 2027. I need your support. I need your prayers.”

Background and political journey

Obi was the LP presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, where he emerged as a major force, particularly among young voters and in urban centres. Although Obi and his party challenged the outcome of the election, both 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 and reinstatement. He was also the vice-presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 election and has remained active in national political conversations since 2023.

Loyalists defect to ADC

Obi’s declaration comes as his core loyalists have begun defecting to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), ahead of his expected official defection to the party before the end of the year.

Among those who have joined the ADC is Henry Oseloka Obaze, a former PDP governorship candidate in Anambra State. Announcing his defection on Monday, Obaze said he left partisan politics months ago on grounds of principle before deciding to align with the ADC.

“Today, I wish to announce that I am now a proud card-carrying member of ADC. We walk the talk. We must rethink and reunite Nigeria. Much work lies ahead,” Obaze said.

The movement of Obi’s allies is seen as a strategic step in consolidating a new opposition platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Obi set to formally join ADC

Sources within the party have confirmed that Obi is expected to formally defect to the ADC on December 31, a move that would put to rest months of speculation about his political future following internal crises in the Labour Party.

The defection is expected to involve serving senators and other lawmakers elected on the LP platform, as well as PDP chieftains in the South-East. Those reportedly involved include Senators Victor Umeh (Anambra Central), Tony Nwoye (Anambra North), Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South), PDP stalwart Ben Obi and members of the Obidient Movement across the region.

It remains uncertain whether Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, will be part of the move amid reports of renewed PDP interest in him.

Obi’s spokesman, Val Obienyem, confirmed the planned defection, while Senator Victor Umeh disclosed that the event would take place in Enugu on December 31, with supporters expected from across the South-East.

Atiku denies stepping down

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

The reports suggested that Atiku, the PDP presidential candidate in 2023, had agreed to support Obi for a one-term presidency to address regional balance. However, Atiku’s media adviser, Paul Ibe, described the claims as false.

Reacting via his verified X handle, Ibe posted a screenshot of the report and wrote: “Fake news: Not on the menu!”

ADC speaks on expectations

The ADC leadership has said it is determined not to repeat the governance failures that followed the 2015 transition that brought the All Progressives Congress (APC) to power.

Speaking in Abuja, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said Nigerians have high expectations of the ADC ahead of 2027, stressing that winning elections requires more than hype and public enthusiasm.

Elder statesman Chekwas Okorie described Obi’s expected defection as a healthy development that could significantly reshape political calculations ahead of the next general election.

Similarly, the National President of the Njiko Igbo Forum, Okechukwu Obioha, said the group would back Obi’s presidential ambition, while urging the ADC to uphold merit and integrity in selecting its flagbearer.