THE African Democratic Congress (ADC) is witnessing a surge in political momentum following the defection of the 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, with no fewer than eight federal lawmakers reportedly set to formally join the party, barring any last-minute change of plans.
News Point Nigeria reports that Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, officially joined the ADC on Wednesday in Enugu, urging Nigerians and opposition forces to unite under a broad national coalition to “rescue Nigeria from poverty, disunity and democratic decline.”
Explaining his decision to leave the Labour Party, Obi said his move was driven by patriotism and national interest, stressing that Nigeria urgently needed a credible alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“This decision is guided solely by patriotism and national interest. I now respectfully call on my political associates, the Obidient Movement and opposition leaders across the country to join this broad national coalition under the African Democratic Congress,” Obi said.
“History will not forgive silence in moments of national peril,” he added.
In a post shared on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle on Wednesday night, Obi disclosed that several serving federal lawmakers were present at his defection ceremony, signalling their readiness to join the ADC.
According to him, notable senators at the event included Enyinnaya Abaribe, Victor Umeh, Tony Nwoye, and Gilbert Nnaji. He also listed several prominent political figures and opinion leaders who attended the ceremony.
“Additionally, we had prominent political figures such as High Chief Ben Obi, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, Prof. Pat Utomi, Prof. Osita Ogbu, Chief Ralph Nwosu, and others, alongside various members of the Federal House of Representatives and State Houses of Assembly, as well as community leaders,” Obi stated.
Sources at the event told this newspaper that eight federal lawmakers, including three serving senators mentioned by Obi, were announced as having collectively defected to the ADC.
The remaining five lawmakers are sitting members of the House of Representatives from Anambra State, who reportedly dumped the Labour Party. They include:
Afamefuna Ogene (Ogbaru Federal Constituency)
Oby Orogbu (Awka North/Awka South Federal Constituency)
Harris Okonkwo (Idemili North/Idemili South Federal Constituency)
Emeka Godwin (Onitsha North/Onitsha South Federal Constituency)
George Ozodinobi (Dunukofia/Njikoka/Anaocha Federal Constituency)
However, their defections are yet to be formally announced on the floor of both chambers of the National Assembly, a constitutional requirement for legislative party switching.
Reacting to the development, the National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Bolaji Abdullahi, confirmed that Obi’s defection had significantly boosted the party’s profile and attractiveness to federal lawmakers.
“Obi’s defection has given traction to the ADC, and we are expecting more quality politicians like him to join us,” Abdullahi said.
“We are expecting more lawmakers and other political bigwigs. Discussions are ongoing with them, and the engagements have been positive so far. We expect them in the next few weeks.”
The ADC has, in recent months, positioned itself as a major opposition coalition platform ahead of the 2027 general election.
In July, Obi joined other opposition leaders to unveil the ADC as a united front to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC.
The party is currently led by former Senate President David Mark as National Chairman and former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary.
Before Obi’s formal registration, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who joined the ADC in November, had already confirmed his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election.
Similarly, former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi, who joined the party in July, announced in August that he would also seek the ADC’s presidential ticket.
With Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, and Peter Obi all expressing interest in the 2027 race, the contest for the ADC presidential ticket is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in the party’s history.