In a significant political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections, former presidential candidate Peter Obi has officially left the Labour Party (LP) for the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The defection was formally announced by Obi himself on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, during a political gathering in Enugu, Enugu State.
A Move Forged in Coalition
Obi revealed that his move to the ADC was not a sudden decision but part of a broader strategic alignment. He disclosed that he had been part of the ADC-led coalition "from its inception." This follows a meeting earlier in December 2025 between Obi and David Mark, the national chairman of the ADC, to solidify his allegiance to the coalition framework.
The former Governor of Anambra State framed his defection as a necessary step for national redemption. He used the platform to issue a clarion call to Nigerians and all opposition forces, urging them to unite under a wide national coalition. Obi stated the coalition's primary objective is to "rescue Nigeria from poverty, disunity and democratic decline."
Critique of Governance and a Call to Action
In his address, Peter Obi delivered a scathing assessment of the current state of the nation. He lamented what he described as the severe erosion of democratic values, accusing some beneficiaries of the democratic system of actively undermining it.
"ADC will not allow democracy to be destroyed," Obi declared. "We are committed to unity, security, and a better Nigeria. We will resist any plot to rig the 2027 elections."
Turning to the economy, Obi criticized the country's direction, pointing out a paradox of declining Gross Domestic Product (GDP) amidst soaring public debt. "Our economy is not growing, yet we are borrowing endlessly. This does not reflect competent leadership," he argued.
The Core Problem: Leadership, Not Poverty
Obi posited that Nigeria's myriad challenges are surmountable with the right kind of leadership. He emphasized that the nation's problems stem from a deficit in key leadership virtues.
"Nigeria is not a poor country. What we lack is competent and honest leadership," Obi asserted. "We can no longer accept leaders who tell lies while corruption stares us in the face."
He further highlighted the unprecedented levels of insecurity and the nation's damaged international reputation, linking both directly to governance failures. "We have borrowed more than any previous government. Today, Nigeria is being called all kinds of names in the comity of nations because of bad leadership," he said.
Obi clarified that the ADC coalition remains open to discussions with other political parties, stressing that the alliance was formed not to destroy Nigeria but to save it. "We are not a family of crime, but a family of change," he concluded.
Labour Party's Dismissive Response
The leadership of the Labour Party, Obi's former political base, has responded to his exit with mockery. The LP stated it took notice of the defection of Obi and some of his supporters. In a dismissive tone, the party described Obi's farewell speech as "lacklustre" and expressed curiosity about what new ideas he intends to present to the Nigerian electorate.
This major defection sets the stage for a reconfiguration of opposition politics in Nigeria as the country marches towards the 2027 presidential election.
