More Political Drama Unfolds As Obi Dumps Labour Party For Opposition Coalition Party ADC

By: Olufemi Orunsola

Political analysts have stated that more political drama are expected to unfold in Nigeria after former Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has formally defected to an opposition coalition party - the African Democratic Congress(ADC).

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports as gathered that Obi announced his defection on Wednesday at the Nike Lake Resort, Enugu, during a New Year address in which he accused the current political leadership of state capture, economic mismanagement and the systematic erosion of democratic values.

In his words, “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. History will not forgive silence in moments of national peril."

Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, called on Nigerians and opposition groups to unite under a broad national coalition to “rescue Nigeria from poverty, disunity and democratic decline.”

He explained that his defection move represents part of a wider national mission to rescue Nigeria which according to him, "...had reached a critical turning point and could no longer afford politics driven by division'

He maintained that, “As the year 2025 ends today, we stand on the threshold of a new beginning. For Nigeria, moments of profound national challenge demand clarity of purpose and decisive action. That moment is now."

Obi described Nigeria as a country in deep distress, citing widespread poverty, unemployment, and insecurity. He said over 130 million Nigerians were living in multidimensional poverty, while more than 80 million youths were unemployed.

“Nigeria is not poor; we are looted into poverty. Nigeria is not broken; Nigeria is severely betrayed. The average Nigerian is not lazy or incompetent, but the system is rigged to reward mediocrity and recycle failure,” he said.

He accused members of the political elite of deliberately exploiting ethnic and religious divisions to remain in power, saying such practices had hindered unity and inclusive development.

Obi also warned about the integrity of future elections, insisting that reforms of the electoral system were non-negotiable and cautioning against attempts to rig the 2027 general elections.

Drawing from his international engagements, he compared Nigeria’s development trajectory with that of other countries, citing Indonesia as an example of how leadership choices can drive growth. He noted that while both countries once shared similar characteristics, Indonesia had become a trillion-dollar economy, while Nigeria continued to struggle with de-industrialisation, corruption and deepening poverty.

Obi, who criticised the Federal Government’s tax reforms, describing them as anti-people and economically counterproductive described reports of a forged tax law as a dangerous precedent, saying a tax regime founded on forgery could not build trust, unity or prosperity.

While presenting his defection as a strategic move ahead of 2027, Obi said opposition unity was essential to challenging what he described as a government sustained by division and propaganda.

Meanwhile, former Vice President and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, has welcomed former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the defection as a major boost to opposition politics in Nigeria.

In a swift reaction to Obi’s defection, Atiku, in a statement shared on his verified X handle on Wednesday said' the move signalled the emergence of a stronger and more coordinated opposition capable of challenging for power and delivering good governance.

According to him, Obi’s official declaration for the ADC represents a significant moment in the evolution of political coalitions in the country.

In his words, “Today marks a significant moment in the history of political coalitions in our country, with the official declaration of my brother and associate, Peter Obi, into the African Democratic Congress."

He expressed optimism that Obi’s entry into the party would deepen collaboration among opposition leaders and energise efforts to present Nigerians with what he described as a credible alternative to the current administration.

“It is my pleasure to welcome him officially, as we look forward to a robust working relationship that will foster a virile opposition, one that will ultimately form a government capable of bringing prosperity and peace to our people,” he added.