“Peter Obi Will Consult Widely Before Any Party Switch” — Obidient Movement to ADC

The Obidient Movement has said Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), will consult widely before taking any decision on leaving his party to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC). This comes after the ADC issued a directive asking coalition members to resign from their former political parties before being fully recognised.

Bolaji Abdullahi, interim national publicity secretary of the ADC, announced on Thursday that the caucus had issued a final order for members to quit their parties of origin, though no specific timeline was given. He added that the coalition had resolved not to pursue the registration of the African Democratic Alliance and that all aspirants would back whoever emerges from the ADC’s primary election.

In response, Yunusa Tanko, national coordinator of the Obidient Movement, said Obi had already aligned with the coalition’s adoption of the ADC platform, noting that this agreement covers both the November 8 governorship election in Anambra and the 2027 general election. However, he stressed that Obi, known for broad consultations before major political moves, would not act hastily in response to the ADC’s ultimatum.

Tanko also raised concerns about the party’s zoning arrangements, arguing that equity and fairness must guide the process of choosing a presidential candidate and sharing principal offices within the coalition. He said the south currently holds the presidency, and decisions made without fairness could weaken the coalition’s chances in 2027.

“Peter Obi is not desperate to become president,” Tanko said. “His focus remains on building a Nigeria that works by reducing poverty, improving the economy, and reforming healthcare, education, and security. These are the values he joined the coalition to promote.”

Obi joined the ADC-led coalition in July but has insisted he remains a member of the Labour Party. At the time, he explained that the alliance was aimed at building a stronger political alternative ahead of 2027. Coalition leaders also confirmed that Obi had been part of the bloc since its inception and was permitted to conclude his political activities within the LP before moving fully to the ADC.