By Muhammad A. Abubakar Former Anambra State governor and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has clarified that he remains a member ...
By Muhammad A. Abubakar
Former Anambra State governor and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has clarified that he remains a member of the Labour Party (LP), despite backing the emerging African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition for the 2027 general election.
Obi’s clarification comes amid mounting pressure from top ADC figures urging him to formally join the party as its coalition structure takes shape. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai—who recently registered as ADC members—had publicly challenged politicians still wavering to take a definitive stand.
During a meeting with ADC chairpersons from across the 36 states and the FCT, Atiku said time was running out for the coalition to position itself as a credible alternative for 2027.
“There can be no sitting on the fence,” Atiku insisted.
El-Rufai, who also formalised his membership after earlier negotiations with Obi, disclosed that both men had agreed to join ADC once the recent by-elections concluded. He argued that Obi now has no reason to remain in the Labour Party.
“I Must Understand the Fundamentals” — Obi
But in a podcast hosted by Advocacy for Good Governance on Wednesday, Obi pushed back, saying the ADC currently lacks the clear internal structure and agreed principles required for him to make a full transition.
“Today, I’m a member of the Labour Party, and I subscribe to the ADC coalition for the 2027 election,” Obi said. “But there are fundamentals all members must agree to—clear rules, clear direction, proper organisation.”
He insisted that issues such as zoning, rotation of offices and leadership arrangements must be addressed before he can commit fully.
“We still have unsigned agreements about the presidency and rotation. If these things aren’t organised, they’ll create future confusion,” he said.
Despite his reservations, Obi expressed confidence in senior figures driving the ADC coalition, including Atiku Abubakar and former Senate President David Mark.
“I respect the leaders there. David Mark has the political sagacity to steer the party. And Atiku—someone I deeply respect—wants the best for Nigeria,” he noted.
Not Desperate for Power
Asked whether he would remain with the ADC if he joined and failed to clinch the presidential ticket, Obi maintained he is “not desperate to be president” but “desperate to see Nigeria work.”
His remarks follow recent claims by media figure Dele Momodu that Obi is being considered as Atiku’s running mate under the ADC platform.
Atiku and former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi have both officially indicated interest in the ADC’s 2027 presidential ticket.
Political analysts say Obi’s hesitance may stem from concerns that he could face an uphill task challenging Atiku within the ADC for the presidential nomination.
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