Labour Party faction backs Obi’s move to ADC

A Labour Party bloc aligned with Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has played down concerns over Peter Obi’s move to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), saying the decision aligns with the party’s earlier stance on his role within the opposition alliance.

The position was outlined in a New Year statement issued in Abuja by the party’s Interim National Chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman, and released by her media office.

According to the statement, the Labour Party had, as early as 26 May 2025, given its backing to Obi’s participation in the ADC-led coalition and has not reversed that position following his formal defection.

Usman assured party members nationwide that Obi’s exit would not destabilise the party. She said:
“Following Peter Obi’s eventual formalisation of his entry into the ADC today, the Labour Party wishes to inform its teeming members across the federation that the party has not withdrawn the initial support extended to its 2023 presidential candidate.”

She added: “While the leadership of LP continues its determined struggle to reclaim the party from the stranglehold of entrenched interests bent on foisting a one-party system on our body politic, we wish to reassure members nationwide that there is no cause for alarm.”

The former lawmaker disclosed that the party’s statutory organs would soon meet to review its direction and reposition the organisation after Obi’s departure.

“After Obi’s anticipated exit, all statutory organs of the Labour Party will convene to chart a fresh and sustainable course for the party. We are confident that the fortunes of the party will be revitalised in no time,” she said.

She further noted:
“Even as the party works assiduously to fill the void created by the recent wave of defections, we reassure our members that the Labour Party will return stronger, better organised, and more focused.”

Reaffirming confidence in the current leadership, Usman said the Labour Party remained committed to offering Nigerians a viable alternative ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that “there is light at the end of the tunnel.”

The party also urged Nigerians to stay committed to democratic values despite prevailing political challenges.

Peter Obi formally announced his defection to the ADC earlier on Wednesday at an event held at the Nike Lake Resort in Enugu State.