In a major political shake-up that has reshaped Nigeria's opposition landscape on the final day of 2025, Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has formally defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The announcement was made during a high-profile ceremony at the Nike Lake Resort Hotel in Enugu on Wednesday, December 31, 2025.
Obi, the former Governor of Anambra State, declared that his move to the ADC was driven by a commitment to "transform and rescue" Nigeria, emphasizing the need for a unified opposition platform to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections. He vowed to resist any form of election rigging through lawful means and expressed optimism that 2026 would mark the beginning of a "rescue journey" for the country.
The defection event drew significant attention, with supporters from the Obidient Movement—Obi's grassroots base that propelled his strong third-place finish in 2023—converging in large numbers. Leaders of the movement explained that choosing Enugu, the historical political capital of the South-East, over Obi's home state of Anambra, was deliberate to send a powerful regional message ahead of 2027.
This development culminates months of speculation and consultations within opposition circles. The ADC has emerged as the adopted platform for a broad coalition including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and other heavyweights disillusioned with fragmented opposition efforts. Obi's entry strengthens the party's national appeal, particularly in the South-East and among youth and urban voters who backed him massively in 2023.
Reports indicate that Obi defected alongside several prominent figures, including Senators Victor Umeh (Anambra Central), Tony Nwoye (Anambra North), Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South), federal lawmaker Afam Ogene, and former Imo Governor Achike Udenwa. The event featured the formal presentation of ADC membership cards, with national party officials, including the chairman, welcoming the new members.
However, not all LP stalwarts followed suit. Abia State Governor Alex Otti, the only sitting governor elected on the LP platform, publicly reaffirmed his loyalty to the party. During his monthly media briefing on December 30, Otti revealed that Obi had personally informed him of the decision to leave LP, and he had given his blessings. Otti stressed that he joined LP before Obi and remains committed to repositioning the party.
Obi's defection follows internal crises in the Labour Party, including prolonged leadership disputes that have weakened its structure. Political analysts view the move as strategic, positioning Obi within a more cohesive coalition capable of mounting a formidable challenge against President Bola Tinubu's APC.
The ADC coalition has been building momentum throughout 2025, attracting defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), APC, and LP. Earlier alignments included high-profile figures like Atiku Abubakar, who joined forces with Obi to consolidate opposition votes fragmented in 2023.
Reactions have been mixed. Supporters hailed the defection as a bold step toward national rescue, while critics, including some public affairs analysts, warned that frequent party switches could portray Obi as inconsistent. Within the Obidient Movement, there were dissenting voices expressing concern that joining an established platform late might limit Obi's influence over the presidential ticket.
The timing in Enugu underscores the South-East's symbolic role in opposition politics. Enugu has historically served as a rallying point for regional political statements, adding weight to the coalition's efforts to mobilize support beyond ethnic or regional lines.
As Nigeria enters 2026, Obi's formal alignment with the ADC intensifies competition for the coalition's presidential ticket, with Atiku Abubakar also eyeing the slot. Observers predict internal primaries or consensus-building will determine the flagbearer, potentially involving zoning arrangements to balance regional interests.
This defection marks the latest chapter in Obi's political journey, from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to PDP, then LP, and now ADC. His 2023 performance—garnering over 6 million votes and winning in key states including Lagos—demonstrated his cross-regional appeal, making him a pivotal figure in opposition strategy.
The Labour Party has downplayed the impact, describing defections as normal in Nigerian politics and expressing confidence in rebuilding. Meanwhile, the ADC has positioned itself as a "rescue mission," promising accountability, economic reform, and democratic renewal.
With 2027 approaching, this realignment signals an intensifying battle for Nigeria's political future. Obi's move consolidates a potentially potent opposition bloc, raising stakes for the APC as it seeks re-election amid economic challenges.
