A faction of the Labour Party aligned with Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has endorsed the defection of the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the move as being in line with its long-held position on his involvement in the opposition coalition.
This stance was conveyed in a New Year message released on Wednesday in Abuja by the party’s Interim National Chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman, and circulated to journalists by her media office.
The statement, titled “Labour Party Welcomes Peter Obi’s Defection to the ADC” and signed by her Senior Special Adviser on Media, Ken Asogwa, noted that the party had formally approved Obi’s participation in the ADC coalition as far back as May 26, 2025.
Usman explained that with Obi’s formal defection to the ADC, the party had not reversed the support previously granted to its former presidential candidate.
She reassured party members nationwide that the development would not undermine the party’s cohesion or stability.
“Following Peter Obi’s eventual formalisation of his entry into the ADC today, the Labour Party wishes to inform its teeming members across the federation that the party has not withdrawn the initial support extended to its 2023 presidential candidate.
“While the leadership of LP continues its determined struggle to reclaim the party from the stranglehold of entrenched interests bent on foisting a one-party system on our body politic, we wish to reassure members nationwide that there is no cause for alarm,” she said.
The former lawmaker disclosed that all statutory organs of the party would soon meet to reposition the Labour Party and redefine its direction after Obi’s expected exit.
She added, “After Obi’s anticipated exit, all statutory organs of the Labour Party will convene to chart a fresh and sustainable course for the party. We are confident that the fortunes of the party will be revitalised in no time.
“Even as the party works assiduously to fill the void created by the recent wave of defections, we reassure our members that the Labour Party will return stronger, better organised, and more focused.”
Reaffirming confidence in the party’s leadership, Usman said the Labour Party would remain committed to presenting itself as a viable alternative ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“We further assure the Nigerian people that the Labour Party, under the able and visionary leadership of Senator Nenadi Usman, will continue to do what is right and offer Nigerians a credible and people-centred alternative to the APC’s rudderless government in 2027. We remain confident that there is light at the end of the tunnel,” she stated.
The party also called on Nigerians to stay committed to democratic values despite the current challenges.
Earlier on Wednesday, The PUNCH reported that Obi formally defected to the ADC at an event held at the Nike Lake Resort in Enugu State.
Speaking at the event, the former Anambra State governor urged Nigerians and opposition groups to rally under a broad national coalition to “rescue Nigeria from poverty, disunity and democratic decline.”
Obi also criticised the current political leadership, accusing it of poor governance and worsening economic and social conditions across the country.