Labour Party Plays Down Reports of Peter Obi’s Planned Move to ADC

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The Labour Party (LP) leadership under the Julius Abure-led National Working Committee has dismissed growing reports suggesting that its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, is preparing to defect to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Party sources in Abuja confirmed that speculations intensified following reports that Obi’s supporters had begun laying groundwork for a possible defection ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to the source, Obi recently met with the ADC’s National Chairman, David Mark, after the party reportedly gave him a timeline to clarify his political future within the coalition. The ADC’s position, the source added, may have influenced the former Anambra State governor’s decision.

The source further claimed that plans are underway for Obi to formally declare for the ADC at a rally scheduled for December 31 in Enugu, described as the political nerve centre of the South-East.

Reacting to the reports, the Labour Party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, said the party would avoid speculation and refrain from issuing a definitive response until Obi personally confirms any decision.

Speaking in an interview with PUNCH, Ifoh stated that even if Obi eventually exits the party, it would be a personal choice rather than a reflection of internal failure within the Labour Party.

“We cannot make any conclusive statement until we hear directly from Peter Obi,” Ifoh said.
“In Nigerian politics, defections happen all the time. Anyone can move from one party to another. For us, it is not something extraordinary.”

While emphasising that the party harbours no resentment, the LP spokesman noted that it would have been preferable for Obi to resolve any outstanding issues internally.

“The wiser option would have been for him to remain and work with the party that gave him the platform he enjoyed in 2023,” he added.

“He could engage the leadership, reconcile differences and move forward. But if he chooses to move elsewhere, we wish him the very best.”