The African Democratic Congress has recorded a boost in political strength, particularly in the South, following the defection of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, with no fewer than eight federal lawmakers reportedly set to formally join the party.
Obi, a former Anambra State governor, defected to the ADC in Enugu on Wednesday, where he called on Nigerians and opposition groups to unite under a broad national coalition to “rescue Nigeria from poverty, disunity and democratic decline.”
Explaining his exit from the Labour Party, Obi said his decision was motivated by patriotism and national interest, stressing the need to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress.
“This decision is guided solely by patriotism and national interest. I call on my political associates, the Obidient Movement and opposition leaders across the country to join this broad national coalition under the ADC. History will not forgive silence in moments of national peril,” he said.
In a post on his verified X handle on Wednesday night, Obi disclosed that three serving senators and several members of the House of Representatives attended his defection ceremony, signalling their readiness to join the ADC.
He named Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe, Victor Umeh, Tony Nwoye and Gilbert Nnaji among those present, alongside prominent political figures including Prof. Pat Utomi, Prof. Osita Ogbu, Chief Ralph Nwosu and other federal and state lawmakers.
Sunday PUNCH gathered that eight federal lawmakers, including three serving senators, were announced at the event as having collectively defected to the ADC.
Five House of Representatives members from Anambra State were also reported to have left the Labour Party. They are Afamefuna Ogene (Ogbaru), Oby Orogbu (Awka North/Awka South), Harris Okonkwo (Idemili North/Idemili South), Emeka Godwin (Onitsha North/Onitsha South) and George Ozodinobi (Dunukofia/Njikoka/Anaocha).
However, their defections are yet to be formally announced on the floor of the National Assembly.
Speaking with Sunday PUNCH, ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said Obi’s defection had injected fresh momentum into the party, adding that more federal lawmakers were expected to join ahead of the 2027 general election.
“Obi’s defection has given traction to the ADC. We are expecting more lawmakers and political leaders to join us in the coming weeks, as discussions with them have been positive,” Abdullahi said.
Obi had earlier joined other opposition figures in presenting the ADC as a coalition platform to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
Under the leadership of former Senate President David Mark as National Chairman and former Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola, as National Secretary, the ADC has positioned itself as a major opposition force.
The party has also attracted former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi, both of whom have declared interest in contesting the 2027 presidential election, alongside Obi.
Reacting, Obidient National Leader, Yunusa Tanko, said Obi’s defection would continue to draw Nigerians to the ADC, dismissing concerns that recent defections by governors to the APC could weaken Obi’s chances.
“He remains a popular candidate and will attract more support than he had in 2023. Nigerians want genuine change, and Obi represents that,” Tanko said, adding that governors alone could not determine voting outcomes in 2027.
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