Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Obi, has reaffirmed his commitment to the party despite his recent alliance with a new political coalition led by the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Sunday, Obi dismissed speculations that his participation in the coalition signaled a defection from the Labour Party. He emphasized that while he remains a loyal member of LP, political collaboration is essential to achieving common goals ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Today, I’m an LP member and I remain in LP, but we have all agreed to work together in coalition for the 2027 election, and for that, we have adopted ADC,” Obi stated.
The emerging coalition comprises several high-profile politicians, including former Rivers State governor Chibuike Amaechi, ex-Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Senate President David Mark, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. The alliance is widely seen as a strategic move to mount a strong challenge against President Bola Tinubu in the next general election.
However, the development has sparked controversy within the Labour Party. Julius Abure, the factional National Chairman of LP, recently claimed that Obi and other party affiliates had effectively exited the party by supporting the coalition’s platform. He also accused Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, of misleading the public regarding his political allegiance, alleging that Otti is part of the coalition’s caretaker committee.
Abure further disclosed that the Labour Party leadership is undertaking efforts to recalibrate and reposition the party ahead of the 2027 polls.
While some coalition members, including Amaechi, El-Rufai, and Atiku Abubakar, are reported to have cut ties with their former parties, Obi has yet to formally announce any departure from LP—maintaining that cooperation, not defection, is at the heart of the coalition’s agenda.
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