Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State and one-time presidential candidate, has formally joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a party backed by a coalition of political interests ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Obi made the announcement on Tuesday during a political gathering held at the Nike Lake Resort in Enugu, where he outlined his vision for political reform and electoral accountability in the country.
Speaking at the event, Obi said the decision to move to the ADC was driven by the need to begin what he described as a national “rescue journey,” stressing that preparations for credible elections must start early.
“We are ending this year with hope that in 2026, we will begin a rescue journey,” Obi said. “We will resist election rigging by every lawful means in 2027. Nigerians still have a one-year window to verify their academic records. We do not want to return to court only to be told it is a pre-election matter. The pre-election process should start now.”
The event was attended by several prominent political figures, including David Mark, the national chairman of the ADC. Also present were former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal; former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha; and Senator Ben Obi.
Other dignitaries at the gathering included Senators Victor Umeh, Tony Nwoye, Gilbert Nnaji, Enyinnya Abaribe, Sam Egwu, and Onyema Ugochukwu, as well as other lawmakers and political stakeholders from across the country.
Obi’s defection marks another major shift in his political journey. He resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on May 25, 2022, citing internal developments in the party that he said no longer allowed for meaningful and constructive engagement.
Two days later, on May 27, 2022, he joined the Labour Party (LP), under which he contested the 2023 presidential election. Obi finished third in the poll, but his campaign gained widespread support among young voters and reform-minded Nigerians, positioning him as a key political figure ahead of the 2027 elections.
