Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has officially left the Labour Party (LP) for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), marking a major political shift ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Obi announced his defection at a political gathering in Enugu, where he described the move as the beginning of a “rescue mission” aimed at rebuilding Nigeria through a united opposition platform. According to him, the decision was driven by the need for broader political cooperation and a stronger structure to challenge the ruling party in future elections.
His defection comes amid internal leadership crises within the Labour Party, which have weakened the party since the 2023 elections. Obi has previously expressed frustration over the party’s inability to resolve its internal disputes.
Reactions to the move have been mixed. While some opposition figures welcomed Obi’s entry into the ADC as a step toward coalition politics, factions within the Labour Party said his exit confirms a long-standing breakdown in relations. The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) also criticised the defection, describing it as politically motivated.
ZPolitical analysts believe Obi’s move to the ADC could significantly reshape opposition politics and influence alignments ahead of the 2027 polls.