Abuja, December 29, 2025 – Former Labour Party presidential candidate and ex-Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has firmly dismissed speculations of a formal defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), asserting that he has been an integral member of the party's coalition since its formation in mid-2025.
The clarification came during a lively interactive session on X Spaces hosted on Sunday night, December 28, where Obi engaged directly with supporters and addressed swirling rumors about his political future. Thousands tuned in as the 2023 third-place finisher outlined his position, emphasizing unity within the opposition fold rather than individual party switches.
"I am not joining ADC. I can’t re-join what I am already a part of," Obi stated unequivocally. "I’ve been part of the coalition from day one. Nobody is stepping down for me in ADC." He stressed that the coalition's dynamics are built on collective collaboration, not hierarchical concessions or dramatic declarations.
Obi's remarks directly countered recent media reports suggesting he was planning a high-profile defection rally in Enugu on December 31. Those speculations, fueled by anonymous ADC sources, had painted a picture of a formal entry into the party. However, Obi framed his involvement as foundational, dating back to the coalition's launch earlier in the year as a broad opposition platform to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The ADC coalition emerged in July 2025 when prominent opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark, and ex-governors like Nasir El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola, adopted the ADC as their vehicle for the 2027 elections. Peter Obi, fresh from his impressive 2023 showing where he garnered over 6 million votes on the Labour Party ticket, quickly aligned with the group, positioning it as a unified front against President Bola Tinubu's administration.
During the X Spaces session, Obi also reaffirmed his presidential ambitions for 2027, ruling out any vice-presidential role. "Peter Obi will be on the ballot in 2027. I need your support; I need your prayers," he declared. He explicitly rejected suggestions of running as a deputy, particularly to Atiku Abubakar, stating, "I am not traveling around the world studying how other countries are governed to become a Vice President. I will contest for President in 2027."
On his relationship with Atiku, his 2019 running mate under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Obi maintained a tone of respect and collaboration. "We have all agreed to work together and Atiku remains my respected leader," he said, signaling no personal rifts despite competing ambitions within the coalition.
The former governor highlighted the coalition's focus on addressing Nigeria's pressing challenges, including economic hardship, insecurity, and governance failures. "All of us will come together because things are collapsing," Obi noted, underscoring the urgency of opposition unity amid what he described as the country's "existential threats."
Obi's supporters, known as "Obidients," reacted positively to the clarification, viewing it as a strategic move to consolidate strength without unnecessary drama. Many expressed readiness to follow his lead, with some already obtaining ADC membership cards in anticipation of broader mobilization.
The ADC has positioned itself as a "mega-opposition" platform, attracting defectors from the PDP, Labour Party, and even disaffected APC members. Recent high-profile shifts include lawmakers and stalwarts from Obi's 2023 base, reflecting growing momentum. Party insiders describe the coalition as a response to fragmented opposition votes in 2023, which allowed Tinubu to win with just 37% of the popular vote.
Analysts see Obi's involvement as a game-changer, given his strong youth appeal and performance in urban centers during the last election. His emphasis on competence, integrity, and production over consumption resonates with a demographic weary of traditional politics.
Obi also touched on his governance philosophy, boasting of his track record in Anambra and business acumen. "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 asserted. He criticized the current administration's policies, particularly taxation on the poor, saying, "You cannot tax poverty."
The X Spaces session further showcased Obi's direct engagement style, a hallmark of his political brand. He addressed criticisms head-on, even humorously noting, "If calling me ‘idiot’ on national television will make Nigeria work, I will go to court tomorrow and legally change my name to ‘Peter Idiot.’"
As 2027 approaches, the opposition landscape remains fluid. While the ADC coalition aims to present a united ticket, internal negotiations over the presidential candidate are expected to intensify. Obi's clarification reinforces his central role without preempting those discussions.
With economic pressures mounting and public discontent growing, the push for a viable alternative to the APC gains traction. Obi's message of hope and collective action—"We must build a just, productive, and united Nigeria"—continues to mobilize a broad base eager for change.
The coming months will reveal how the coalition navigates candidate selection and platform consolidation. For now, Obi's stance has quelled defection rumors, redirecting focus to the larger goal: rescuing Nigeria through competent leadership.
