Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential flag bearer of the Labour Party (LP), has formally ended his association with the party and thrown his weight behind a newly formed opposition coalition that has adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its political platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement posted Thursday morning on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, Obi confirmed his departure from the LP, describing the move as a product of “deep reflection” on Nigeria’s current challenges and the urgent need for a broad-based political movement capable of delivering real change.
“Yesterday, the coalition members formally adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 Nigeria General Elections, with Distinguished Senator David Mark serving as the National Chairman and H.E. Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as the National Secretary,” Obi wrote.
This announcement comes just after the Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Obi, demanding clarity on his political allegiance amid rising tensions over his reported involvement in closed-door meetings with key coalition players.
Obi framed the coalition as a bold new effort to reclaim Nigeria’s future from entrenched political interests. “Our commitment is to work collectively toward the 2027 elections, with the singular goal of ensuring Nigeria gets competent, capable, and compassionate leadership—one that puts the people first,” he said.
Rejecting the notion of politics as a zero-sum game, Obi emphasized that no single party or politician can transform the country in isolation. “This decision was not made lightly. It comes from a sober assessment of where Nigeria stands today and what must be done to move it forward. To dismantle the structures that entrench poverty, insecurity, and corruption, we must build bridges—however uneasy—across divides.”
The coalition, according to Obi, is a united front comprising like-minded stakeholders determined to challenge the status quo and offer Nigerians a credible alternative.
In contrast to the ruling APC and the opposition PDP—often criticized for recycling political elites—the coalition promises a fresh and focused agenda anchored on inclusion, competence, and integrity.
While critics may view Obi’s defection as a gamble or political rebranding, allies describe it as a strategic realignment aimed at broadening the base of opposition ahead of 2027.
Political watchers say the move could redefine Nigeria’s electoral dynamics, as the coalition brings together influential figures disenchanted with both the ruling establishment and fragmented opposition fronts.
