ADC Membership Swells as Obi’s Defection Triggers Wave of Lawmaker Alignments in the South

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has recorded a notable surge in political momentum following the defection of the 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, with reports indicating that several federal lawmakers are preparing to formally join the party. Obi’s move, announced in Enugu on Wednesday, has begun to reshape opposition politics, particularly in the South, as the ADC positions itself as a major coalition platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, described his defection as an act driven by patriotism and national interest. He urged Nigerians, the Obidient Movement, and opposition leaders across party lines to unite under the ADC to confront what he described as worsening poverty, disunity, and democratic decline in the country. His call has since resonated within political circles, with indications that his entry into the party is already attracting sitting legislators.

Obi’s Defection and the Emerging Lawmaker Movement

At the defection ceremony, Obi disclosed that three serving senators and several members of the House of Representatives were present, signalling their readiness to align with the ADC. According to him, senators Enyinnaya Abaribe, Victor Umeh, Tony Nwoye, and Gilbert Nnaji attended the event, alongside prominent political figures, academics, and community leaders from across the South-East and beyond.

Further details gathered during the ceremony indicated that no fewer than eight federal lawmakers were announced as having collectively defected to the ADC. These included three senators already mentioned by Obi and five members of the House of Representatives from Anambra State who were formerly elected on the platform of the Labour Party. However, their defections are yet to be formally declared on the floor of the National Assembly, a step required for official recognition.

The House of Representatives members reportedly involved are Afamefuna Ogene (Ogbaru Federal Constituency), Oby Orogbu (Awka North/Awka South), Harris Okonkwo (Idemili North/Idemili South), Emeka Godwin (Onitsha North/Onitsha South), and George Ozodinobi (Dunukofia/Njikoka/Anaocha). Their expected switch is seen by political observers as a significant development that could strengthen the ADC’s legislative presence if completed.

ADC Leadership Reacts as 2027 Calculations Intensify

Reacting to the developments, the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mr Bolaji Abdullahi, said Obi’s defection had given the party renewed traction and heightened interest among federal lawmakers and other political heavyweights. He disclosed that discussions were ongoing with several politicians and that more defections were anticipated in the coming weeks.

Abdullahi noted that the ADC was deliberately positioning itself as a credible alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly ahead of the 2027 presidential election. He stressed that the party was open to “quality politicians” who shared its vision and were willing to make timely decisions about their political future.

Under the leadership of former Senate President David Mark as National Chairman and former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary, the ADC has intensified efforts to build a broad opposition coalition. The party was formally unveiled in July as a platform to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid, a move that has since drawn the attention of leading opposition figures nationwide.

Rising Presidential Aspirations and Obidient Confidence

The defection of Obi comes amid growing presidential ambitions within the ADC. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who joined the party in November, has confirmed his intention to contest the 2027 presidency, while former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi, who defected in July, has also declared interest in the party’s ticket. With Obi now added to the mix, the race for the ADC’s presidential nomination has become increasingly competitive.

Despite concerns about recent defections of some governors to the ruling APC, the Obidient Movement has expressed confidence in Obi’s continued popularity. Speaking to Sunday PUNCH, Obidient National Leader, Mr Yunusa Tanko, dismissed fears that the loss of governors in the South-East would weaken Obi’s electoral strength, insisting that voting outcomes were ultimately determined by the people rather than officeholders.

Tanko argued that Obi remained a strong contender capable of surpassing his 2023 performance, noting that public demand for “genuine change” continued to favour the former Anambra governor. He maintained that governors could not unilaterally control voting patterns, adding that many Nigerians were eager for leadership that reflected accountability and national renewa