Some top leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) are planning to defect to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Labour Party’s (LP) 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, is said to be among those at the centre of the planned realignment.
Sources close to the former Anambra State governor, who spoke with Punch, said the move followed growing dissatisfaction with the ADC’s internal structure and uncertainties arising from the recent Supreme Court judgment on the party’s leadership dispute.
The Supreme Court had, on Thursday, vacated an earlier injunction that removed David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as National Chairman and National Secretary of the ADC, respectively.
However, the apex court did not resolve the substantive leadership dispute and instead returned the matter to the Federal High Court for continuation.
Although some party members described the judgment as a temporary relief, sources said it deepened anxiety among coalition leaders ahead of the 2027 polls.
There are fears that the outcome of the case at the lower court could disrupt the party’s leadership at a critical stage in the election cycle.
Obi Loyalists Cite Zoning, Structure
Insiders said the crisis, coupled with disagreements with loyalists of former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, had forced Obi and his supporters to reconsider their stay in the ADC.
A source familiar with the development said, “I can confirm to you that His Excellency Peter Obi has been consulting many of us who are stakeholders. And considering what is playing out in the ADC, the party seems to be designed and structured to favour an individual aspirant. They are also not ready to zone their presidential ticket to the South.
“If the party structure is skewed in favour of an aspirant, obviously that aspirant will win, and it will not amount to a credible primary election. In addition, if you look at the numerous litigations in the party and the crisis rocking it, His Excellency has concluded that the platform is not formidable for him to contest on.”
The source added that Obi was determined to be on the ballot in 2027 and had opened talks with the NDC.
The source said, “Recall that Obi promised his supporters and Nigerians that his name will be on the ballot. We have met with the NDC and they have promised an unchallenged presidential ticket for him to run in 2027.
“All things being equal, in a couple of days, between now and next week, he is expected to dump the ADC for the NDC. It will be a massive move, and all his supporters are also expected to move with him to the NDC. That is what I know.”
Another aide of the former governor confirmed the plan, saying Obi would soon make his position public.
“From my findings and understanding, he is going to make this intention known to all Nigerians and take action in the coming days,” the source said.
