Rumbling in ADC as Peter Obi Reportedly Eyes Another Party Ahead of 2027 Election
There is growing disquiet within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following reports that former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, may be considering another political platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Over the weekend, media reports suggested that the former Anambra State governor might dump the ADC for the Action Alliance (AA) as part of his next political move.
Reacting to the speculation, Dr Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, told Nigerian Tribune that he was unaware of such a plan.
“At the moment, it isn’t on my desk. I know he still has a good working relationship with the leadership of the coalition. We will wait till after the governorship election in Anambra State,” Dr Tanko said.
He further emphasized that the ADC must respect the principle of zoning its presidential ticket to the South, stressing inclusivity as key to the party’s growth.
“We have made our position known. The ADC must be all-inclusive. If you are looking for a presidential candidate, it must be from the South,” he added
When asked whether Obi might review his association with the party if the ticket is thrown open to all regions, Tanko replied:
“If ADC doesn’t zone, it is within his (Obi’s) right to decide what to do.”
Aide: ‘It’s Not a Crime to Seek Another Platform’
A close aide to Obi, who requested anonymity, hinted that seeking another platform should not be ruled out.
“Is it a crime to seek another platform? From what is on the ground in ADC, it will be difficult for him to make headway. Everyone knows who is likely to emerge as ADC candidate. So, no one should blame Peter Obi if he decides to walk away from a trap,” the aide said, though he could not confirm if AA was the preferred option.
Meanwhile, an ADC National Working Committee (NWC) member who spoke confidentially said the national leadership was not surprised by reports of Obi’s possible defection.
He dismissed claims by Obi’s loyalists that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar was being positioned to pick the ADC presidential ticket, accusing Obi of avoiding internal democracy.
“What kind of democrat is he that he is running away from primary? We asked him to nominate his choice for the post of National Organising Secretary — the most important position in the party — just to make him comfortable. If he feels he can’t get what he wants, he is free to go,” the party official said.
He further revealed that Obi had proposed that the ADC’s presidential flag bearer should emerge through an opinion poll rather than a delegate convention.
“For us, we are not desperate to have him. We want to build a disciplined and formidable opposition party where members respect party organs. The feat he recorded in 2023 was largely due to dissatisfaction with the APC Muslim-Muslim ticket. Many of those who backed him then are no longer with him,” he added.
Okorie: Expect a Three-Horse Race in 2027
Former All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) chieftain, Chief Chekwas Okorie, also weighed in on the controversy, noting that Obi has not been a registered ADC member despite his visible association with the party.
“For all I know, he has never been a card-carrying member of ADC. Yes, he attends their meetings, but he hasn’t declared formally. He said on his X handle that he will announce his political platform in November — and that he will run for President,” Okorie stated.
According to him, Obi’s chances of securing the ADC ticket are slim due to the delegate system that favours entrenched party figures.
“Peter Obi knows that if he pitches his tent in ADC, he can’t win. The ADC candidate will emerge through a delegate process, and he can’t muster the numbers,” he added.
Okorie predicted that the 2027 presidential election will likely feature a three-horse race among President Bola Tinubu (APC), Atiku Abubakar (ADC), and Peter Obi under a new platform.
“Atiku will certainly pick the ADC ticket, Tinubu will fly APC’s flag, and Obi will contest on another platform. That’s how 2027 will shape up,” he concluded.
Why It Matters
Peter Obi remains one of the most popular opposition figures in Nigeria’s political landscape. His next political move could reshape alliances ahead of 2027 and determine the strength of opposition forces against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
