The All Progressives Congress (APC) has reaffirmed its confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, insisting that opposition realignments will not threaten its chances, following Peter Obi’s defection from the Labour Party (LP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election and former governor of Anambra State, officially announced his move to the ADC on Wednesday in Enugu. Speaking at the Nike Lake Resort, he called on Nigerians and opposition groups to unite under a broad coalition aimed at addressing poverty, national disunity and what he described as a decline in democratic values.
The former governor said his decision was driven by patriotism and national interest, urging members of the Obidient Movement and other opposition figures to rally behind the ADC. According to him, Nigeria has reached a critical point that requires decisive leadership and unity beyond partisan divisions.
Obi has been part of ongoing opposition coalition talks since mid-2025, with the ADC emerging as the platform for challenging President Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election. The party is currently led by former Senate President David Mark as national chairman and ex-Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola as national secretary.
Several prominent political figures have also aligned with the ADC. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who joined the party in November, has already declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidency. Former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi has also expressed interest in securing the party’s ticket, making the contest for the ADC’s presidential nomination increasingly competitive.
During his address, Obi painted a grim picture of Nigeria’s socio-economic situation, citing widespread poverty, youth unemployment and insecurity. He argued that the country’s challenges were the result of leadership failures rather than a lack of resources, insisting that Nigeria had been “betrayed” by its political elite.
He further warned against electoral manipulation ahead of the 2027 polls and stressed the need for urgent electoral reforms to restore public confidence in the democratic process.
Reacting to Obi’s defection, Atiku Abubakar welcomed him to the ADC, describing the move as a significant boost to the opposition coalition. In a statement on his verified social media account, Atiku said Obi’s entry would strengthen cooperation among opposition leaders and enhance efforts to offer Nigerians a credible alternative government.
ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi also welcomed Obi, describing his formal entry into the party as a strong start to the New Year. The party’s National Youth Leader, Balarabe Rufai, added that Obi’s move would further solidify the coalition and expand the party’s national appeal.
However, the Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party dismissed Obi’s defection, describing it as a relief for the party. In a statement issued in Abuja, LP National Publicity Secretary Obiora Ifoh said the party had long parted ways with Obi and regretted presenting him as its presidential candidate in 2023.
According to the LP leadership, Obi’s exit merely confirmed an existing political separation that followed internal disputes within the party. The faction accused Obi and Abia State Governor Alex Otti of contributing to the party’s leadership crisis and claimed the Enugu defection rally was poorly attended.
Meanwhile, the Presidency and the APC reacted sharply to Obi’s comments. Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga criticised Obi’s leadership record and dismissed his claims against the Tinubu administration. He argued that President Tinubu’s economic reforms, including subsidy removal, tax harmonisation and infrastructure development, had set Nigeria on a path of recovery.
Similarly, APC National Secretary Ajibola Basiru described Obi as inconsistent and politically unreliable, insisting that the ruling party remained firmly positioned for victory in 2027. According to him, past defeats of opposition figures now aligned with the ADC showed that President Tinubu would prevail again.
Despite the growing opposition coalition, the APC maintained that it remains a nationwide party with strong grassroots support across all regions of the country.
