By Our Political Correspondent
In a development poised to reshape Nigeria’s politics, former Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Mr. Peter Obi, is reportedly set to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Highly placed sources within The RAZOR News political desk disclosed that the formal declaration is expected to take place at a high-profile political gathering scheduled for December 31, 2025, in Enugu State.
Alongside Obi, at least four serving senators are also said to be finalising plans to defect to the ADC.
Among them are Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central) and Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South), both prominent figures in the Southeast political landscape.
Political analysts say Obi’s anticipated move signals a significant realignment within the opposition, with the ADC emerging as a potential rallying platform ahead of 2027.
“Peter Obi joining the ADC represents a strategic shift capable of galvanising a broad coalition of voters dissatisfied with the dominant parties,” said Dr. Chukwudi Eze, an Awka-based political commentator.
The Enugu event is also expected to attract a large turnout of politicians, civil society actors and members of the Obidient Movement, underscoring Obi’s sustained grassroots appeal across regions.
Sources close to the former Anambra State governor indicate that he may seek the ADC’s presidential ticket, setting the stage for a potential contest with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, who is also believed to be weighing options within the ADC.
However, analysts argue that Obi may enjoy a strategic advantage within the party due to Nigeria’s informal zoning arrangement.
They note that the presidency is widely expected to remain in the South in 2027, a factor that could work against Atiku, who hails from Northern Nigeria.
Simon Eze, a political analyst, said the party leadership should prioritise pragmatism ahead of its primaries.
“The ADC should prevail on Atiku Abubakar to step down for Peter Obi at the party’s presidential primary. Given the zoning sentiment favouring Southern Nigeria in 2027, Obi stands a stronger chance.
“If Obi emerges as the sole opposition candidate against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, there is a real possibility of victory, especially with the level of support he could attract from parts of the northern bloc,” Eze said.
Observers also believe Obi’s entry into the ADC could further alter political calculations in the Southeast, forcing both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the PDP to rethink their regional strategies.
“The Southeast has become a decisive political battleground. Obi’s movement to the ADC could significantly reshape alliances and voting patterns ahead of 2027,” said Professor Ifeanyi Okodinobi.
Analysts caution that while Obi commands strong personal followership, the ultimate success of his move will depend on the ADC’s ability to strengthen its national structures and expand its appeal.
The party, which has historically played a marginal role in national elections, now faces mounting pressure to consolidate its presence across key states and geopolitical zones.
Meanwhile, attention is also focused on the Labour Party, which served as Obi’s political platform in 2023. Party insiders have hinted at possible “strategic recalibrations” in response to the reported defections.
As the countdown to the anticipated Enugu declaration continues, political observers say the coming days are likely to be marked by heightened speculation, intense negotiations and growing interest from both local and international stakeholders.
