Amanze Chinonye
Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on Wednesday officially defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) alongside several prominent political leaders from the South-East, marking a major realignment in Nigeria’s opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Obi and the other leaders made the declaration in Enugu, the Enugu State capital, after what they described as months of extensive consultations across the region and beyond.
Addressing supporters and party stakeholders at the gathering, the leaders said their decision to join the ADC was driven by a collective resolve to collaborate with other opposition figures nationwide to rescue Nigeria from what they termed the poor governance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
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The event drew a large assembly of political heavyweights from the South-East and other parts of the country, underscoring the significance of the defection.
Those present included former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha; Senators Ben Obi, Victor Umeh, Tony Nwoye and Gilbert Nnaji; Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe; former Ebonyi State Governor, Senator Sam Egwu; renowned economist Prof. Pat Utomi; and Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, among several serving and former lawmakers.
Also in attendance were national figures from outside the South-East, including former Senate President and National Chairman of the ADC, David Mark; former Sokoto State Governor, Senator Aminu Tambuwal; former governors from the South-East; and other senior party leaders and dignitaries.
Obi, who was the Labour Party’s flagbearer in the 2023 presidential election, said the ADC now provides a broader and more stable platform for building a united opposition capable of offering Nigerians an alternative to the current administration.
Political observers say the formal entry of Obi and other influential South-East leaders into the ADC is expected to strengthen the party’s national profile and accelerate opposition coalition talks ahead of the 2027 polls.
The declaration in Enugu further signals the South-East’s strategic positioning within the emerging opposition alliance, with analysts predicting that more defections could follow in the coming weeks.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
