By John Umeh
Former Anambra State governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has formally left the Labour Party (LP) and joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), marking a significant shift in Nigeria’s opposition political landscape.
Obi made the declaration on December 31, 2025, in Enugu, where he appeared alongside prominent political leaders from the South-East geopolitical zone.
Move Aimed at Opposition Unity
Announcing the decision, Obi and the South-East leaders said the move followed months of consultations and strategic engagement. They explained that joining the ADC was part of a broader plan to work with opposition figures nationwide to challenge what they described as poor governance under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to the group, the decision reflects a growing push among opposition stakeholders to consolidate forces ahead of future electoral contests.
Implications for Opposition Politics
Obi’s defection represents a major development for both the ADC and the Labour Party, given his influence and nationwide support base following the 2023 general election. Political analysts say the move could accelerate ongoing realignments within the opposition as parties seek a unified platform.
The ADC has in recent months positioned itself as a rallying point for opposition figures advocating electoral reform, improved governance, and national cohesion.
Next Phase
While Obi did not outline immediate political ambitions during the announcement, his entry into the ADC is widely viewed as a strategic step toward strengthening opposition collaboration ahead of the 2027 elections.
