2027: ADC faction disowns Obi’s reported defection

A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by its National Chairman, Nafiu Bala Gombe, has rejected reports that former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has defected to the party.

On Thursday, the faction distanced itself from Obi’s alleged registration at the ADC’s Enugu zonal office, describing the process as unconstitutional and invalid. The group, which claims to be the authentic national leadership of the party, said the exercise violated established membership procedures.

Obi had announced on Wednesday that he had joined the ADC at an event held at the Nike Lake Resort in Enugu State, where he called on Nigerians and opposition groups to form a broad coalition to “rescue Nigeria from poverty, disunity and democratic decline.”

However, in a New Year statement issued in Abuja, Gombe said the clarification became necessary due to what he described as misleading information in the public space regarding ADC membership registration.

He stressed that the party is guided by order, discipline and strict adherence to its constitution, noting that membership registration is clearly defined and begins at the ward level.

“It has come to our attention that a certain Mr Peter Obi was reportedly registered at a party zonal office in Enugu. The National Working Committee categorically states that this does not conform with the constitutional procedures of the ADC,” Gombe said.

According to him, prospective members must register at their respective wards in their state of origin or residence, after which a valid membership card is issued. He added that the party’s constitution does not permit registration at zonal or national offices.

“Any registration carried out outside the ward level is irregular and invalid,” he said, adding that the party has commenced an investigation into the alleged breach of due process.

The faction urged party members and the general public to disregard claims suggesting alternative channels for joining the ADC, insisting that ward-level registration remains the only recognised method.

Gombe’s position came a day after the Julius Abure-led National Working Committee of the Labour Party described Obi’s defection to the ADC as a “liberation.” The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, said the Labour Party regretted presenting Obi as its presidential candidate in the 2023 election, adding that his exit merely formalised a long-standing political rift.

Efforts to obtain a reaction from the David Mark-led ADC leadership were unsuccessful, as the party’s spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, did not respond to calls.