Peter Obi, the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in 2023 has officially joined the coalition-backed African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Obi announced his defection in Enugu on Wednesday, December 31.

The former governor of Anambra said his defection ahead of the 2027 election is aimed transforming and rescuing Nigeria.

“We are ending this year with the hope that in 2026 we will begin a rescue journey,” he declared.

“We will resist rigging of election by every lawful means in 2027, he added.

Obi also urged opposition leaders to come together as a family under the leadership of David Mark to rescue Nigeria.

Those present at the event included former Senate President and National Chairman of the ADC, David Mark; former Sokoto State Governor, Senator Aminu Tambuwal; former governors from the South-East; and other dignitaries.

Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha; Senators Ben Obi, Victor Umeh, Tony Nwoye, and Gilbert Nnaji; Chief Onyema Ugochukwu; Enyinnya Abaribe; Senator Sam Egwu; as well as several other Senators and members of the House of Representatives were also in attendance.

Obi’s decision, announced in Enugu, is seen as a significant boost to the ADC’s chances in the 2027 elections, potentially strengthening the opposition against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The defection has also sparked debates on zoning and leadership within the ADC, with some supporting Atiku Abubakar and others backing Obi for the 2027 presidential ticket. Obi’s move is also seen as an attempt to bring the presidency to the South East, a region that has felt marginalised since democracy returned in 1999.