Peter Obi Dumps ADC – Source

In what appears to be the conclusion of a lengthy period of speculation about his political affiliations, The Exclusivesonline gathered that former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Mr Peter Obi, has joined the newly registered Nigeria Democratic Congress Party (NDC), marking a new chapter in his party journey.

The NDC, a recently registered political party, is positioning itself as a fresh opposition platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party is championed by former Bayelsa State governor and senator, Seriake Dickson, who now serves as its National Leader, alongside interim officials led by Protem National Chairman Cleopas Moses Zuwogeh.

It was gathered that Peter Obi has now officially joined the ADC, after earlier speculation about a possible return to the Labour Party. This decision signals Obi’s renewed focus on building new political alliances ahead of upcoming elections, following his previous affiliation with the LP and current move towards NDC.

John Emeka, a staunch member of the Obidient Movement, said the decision of Peter Obi to dump the ADC is not unconnected with the realisation that he might not get the ADC’s presidential ticket, which many believe has been positioned to be taken by the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

“Obi was never at any point a member of the ADC. I would rather describe him as a sympathiser of the ADC.

“Unfortunately, while many of us moved with him to the party, his body language showed that he was never too comfortable with the party. I’m not surprised that he has decided to exit ADC, if the report is true that he has joined the new party to realise his aspirations.”

Though the primary of the ADC is yet to be held, Exclusivesonline gathered that Obi getting the presidential ticket of the party will be difficult because of the influence of Atiku.

To make the matter worse for Obi, Atiku recently met with some of the ADC leaders from the South East; he was able to extract some form of commitment from them.

“The meeting, which took place on Tuesday night behind closed doors at the Abuja residence of Chikwe Udensi, was attended by a high-profile roster of party and regional leaders.

“Those in attendance include Senator Augustine Akobundu, Chief Chekwas Okorie, former Minister of State for Education Emeka Nwajiuba, Dr Osita Oruche, Prof. Onyi Nwagbara, Chief Uchenna Okogbuo, former ADC National Chairman Chief Ralph Nwosu, Hon. Uzoma Abonta, Hon. Uko Nkole, Etigwe Uwah, Dr Steve Nwadiuko, Chief Morris Eboh, Senator Frank Ibezim, and Dr Dave Eboh,” said a source at the meeting.

The ADC spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi, in an interview, claimed that Peter Obi has been part of the coalition from day one, although he was never a card-carrying member of the party.

The recent development amounts to the former LP presidential candidate going back on his resolve not to leave the ADC.

Obi had, in a post on his X handle, made it clear that he would always have respect for ex-vice president Atiku Abubakar.

“I am not joining ADC. I can’t re-join what I am already a part of,” Obi said.

“I’ve been part of the coalition from day one.

“Nobody is stepping down for me in ADC.

“We have all agreed to work together, and Atiku remains my respected leader.”