ADC Faction Rejects Obi, Disowns Enugu Registration Amid Membership Row

A fresh controversy has emerged within Nigeria’s opposition political space following claims that former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, has defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). A faction of the ADC, led by its National Chairman, Mr Nafiu Gombe, has firmly rejected the reported registration of Obi at the party’s Enugu zonal office, describing the move as unconstitutional and invalid. The development has further highlighted ongoing leadership and procedural disputes across opposition parties.

ADC Leadership Disowns Enugu Registration

The faction of the ADC, which identifies itself as the authentic national leadership of the party, on Thursday distanced itself from reports that Peter Obi had been registered as a member at the ADC’s Enugu zonal office. According to the group, the exercise violated the party’s constitution and established guidelines for membership registration.

In a New Year statement issued in Abuja, the National Chairman, Nafiu Gombe, said the clarification became necessary due to what he described as misleading information circulating in the public domain. He stressed that the ADC is founded on order, discipline, and strict adherence to its constitution, principles which, he noted, must guide all party activities.

Gombe emphasised that the party’s constitution clearly outlines how individuals can become members, warning that any process outside these provisions cannot be recognised by the national leadership.

ADC Constitution and Membership Procedures

Explaining the party’s position, Gombe stated that the ADC’s constitution recognises ward-level registration as the only legitimate entry point into the party. According to him, prospective members are required to register at their respective wards within their state of origin or residence.

He noted that upon successful ward-level registration, members are issued validated party membership cards, completing the constitutionally approved process. The ADC chairman insisted that the constitution does not permit registration at zonal or national offices under any circumstances.

“The party’s constitution does not provide for the registration of individuals at zonal or national offices outside of their designated wards,” Gombe said. “Any registration carried out contrary to this provision is considered irregular and invalid.”

Based on this, the ADC leadership formally disowned the reported registration of Peter Obi at the Enugu zonal office and announced that the party was investigating the alleged breach of due process.

Political Reactions and Labour Party’s Response

The clarification from the ADC faction followed reports that Peter Obi had announced his defection to the party at an event held at the Nike Lake Resort in Enugu State. The announcement generated widespread reactions across political circles, given Obi’s profile as the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election.

Reacting separately, the Julius Abure-led National Working Committee of the Labour Party described Obi’s defection as a “liberation” for the party. In a statement issued in Abuja, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Obiora Ifoh, said the Labour Party regretted presenting Obi as its presidential candidate in 2023.

According to Ifoh, Obi’s exit merely formalised a political separation that had existed for several months, largely due to the prolonged leadership crisis within the Labour Party. He added that the party was now better positioned to move forward without internal distractions.

As the controversy unfolds, the ADC faction has urged its supporters and the general public to disregard claims suggesting alternative channels for party registration, reiterating that ward-level registration remains the only recognised method. With investigations ongoing, the development underscores the deepening complexities within Nigeria’s opposition parties and raises fresh questions about party structures, internal democracy, and political realignments ahead of future elections.