A political science scholar at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Professor Jonah Onuoha, has expressed doubts that Peter Obi’s reported move from the Labour Party (LP) to the African Democratic Party (ADC) will significantly reshape Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking in an interview in Nsukka, Prof. Onuoha argued that the grassroots momentum popularly known as the “Obidient movement,” which fuelled Labour Party’s unexpected gains during the 2023 elections, has largely fizzled out and may be difficult to revive before the next national polls.
According to him, the widespread enthusiasm that powered Peter Obi’s 2023 presidential run—particularly in the South-East where the LP secured notable electoral victories—is unlikely to be replicated in 2027.
Onuoha attributed the decline of the movement to post-election disillusionment among supporters, many of whom felt let down after their expectations from the last general elections were unmet.
He suggested that this loss of energy and cohesion may have influenced Obi’s decision to exit the Labour Party and align with the ADC.
“I do not believe Obi’s defection to the ADC will alter the electoral dynamics either in the South-East or across the country in 2027,” he said.
“The Obidient spirit that generated the 2023 momentum has largely faded and will be very difficult to reignite before the general elections.”
The academic further predicted that the 2027 presidential race would likely be dominated by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the ADC, adding that victory would depend largely on which party presents a more credible and appealing candidate.
Despite his analysis, Onuoha called on political actors to exercise restraint, urging them to focus on promoting national cohesion and to avoid rhetoric or actions that could inflame political tensions.
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