Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has revealed that he left the Labour Party (LP) for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) after being informed that the party’s leadership would not be recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Obi, who was the LP presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, made the disclosure in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, during the Obidient Conference and official declaration for the ADC in the state. The event was themed “Activating the PO Effect.”
The former governor had backed the Esther Nenadi-Usman-led caretaker committee of the LP, while another faction under Julius Abure laid claim to the party’s leadership, creating a protracted internal crisis.
Explaining his decision to exit the party, Obi alleged political interference aimed at excluding him from the ballot.
“Democracy must work; I left LP when I got informed that as long as I remain in the party, INEC will not recognise its leadership, that the federal government doesn’t want me on the ballot paper,” he said.
Despite the setback, Obi vowed to contest the 2027 presidential election.
“I will contest the coming election even if it holds in their bedroom, and if they don’t want to transmit the results, we will transmit it for them,” he declared.
2027 Agenda
Obi called on Nigerians to unite across ethnic and political lines to “rescue” the country in 2027, describing the mission as a collective effort rather than a personal ambition.
According to him, “Operation Rescue Nigeria” is about safeguarding the future of younger generations who, he said, have borne the brunt of decades of poor governance.
He emphasised the need for real-time electronic transmission of election results in 2027, warning that accountability must be enforced.
Outlining his priorities if elected, Obi pledged heavy investment in education and healthcare, noting that many developed nations achieved prosperity through deliberate spending in those sectors.
He also promised aggressive poverty reduction initiatives as a strategy to curb criminality.
On corruption, Obi said strong leadership by example would significantly reduce the menace.
He recalled declining to create an Office of the First Lady during his tenure as governor and challenged anyone with evidence of personal land allocations to petition appropriate authorities.
Meanwhile, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr. Tanko Yunusa, urged supporters to intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Obi’s defection to the ADC signals a new political realignment as preparations for the next presidential contest gather momentum.