Peter Obi Defects to ADC, Unveils Opposition Coalition Ahead of 2027 Elections

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has formally defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), signalling a major realignment in Nigeria’s opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Obi officially joined the ADC-led opposition coalition on Tuesday at a well-attended event held at the Nike Lake Resort, Enugu, where several national political leaders and influential figures converged.

Among those present at the defection ceremony were former Senate President David Mark; former governors Achike Udenwa and Sam Egwu; former PDP National Chairman Okwesilieze Nwodo; and ex-Sokoto State governor Aminu Tambuwal.

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Also in attendance were Senators Victor Umeh, Enyinnaya Abaribe, and Ben Obi; former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Emeka Ihedioha; Tony Nwoye; Gilbert Nnaji; Onyema Ugochukwu; Hon. Idu Emeka; Hon. Sheumi; human rights activist Aisha Yesufu; renowned economist Prof. Pat Utomi; and Chief Mrs Josephine Anini, among others.

Speaking at the event, the former Anambra State governor said his decision to leave the Labour Party and join the ADC coalition was motivated by the urgent need to rescue and transform Nigeria.

“We are ending this year with the hope that in 2026, we will begin a rescue journey,” Obi declared.

He further pledged that the coalition would not tolerate electoral malpractice in the next general election.

“We will resist election rigging by every lawful means in 2027,” he said.

Obi’s defection is widely seen as a significant boost to the ADC opposition alliance, as political actors intensify manoeuvres ahead of the next presidential contest.

Peter Obi Defects to ADC, Unveils Opposition Coalition Ahead of 2027 Elections

Align With Wike or Lose Gokana, APC Chieftain Warns Gov Fubara

The National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), South-South, Hon. Victor Giadom, has advised Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to align politically with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, if he hopes to record any meaningful political success in Rivers State.

Giadom gave the advice on Tuesday during Wike’s “thank you” visit to Gokana Local Government Area, where political leaders and supporters gathered to reaffirm their loyalty to the former Rivers State governor.

Describing Nyesom Wike as a dependable leader and the dominant political force in Rivers State, Giadom assured the minister of the unflinching support of the Gokana people, stressing that no rival political structure exists in the area.

“I guarantee, on behalf of my brothers, that the Gokana people are for Wike and Tinubu, and nobody will challenge Wike’s influence in Gokana,” Giadom said.

He added, “Gokana is a no-go area for anybody, even Governor Fubara. For him to win anything in Gokana, he must pass through Wike.”

Similarly, former Senator representing Rivers South-East, Sen. Magnus Abe, said the people of Gokana had already made their political choice, firmly aligning with Wike and President Bola Tinubu.

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“Wike is a leader that unites, and that is why we are united. If you follow Wike, you will not go home empty-handed,” Abe stated.
“The Ogoni people are with you. Please tell President Tinubu not to bother coming to Gokana to campaign — we are already for him.”

Also speaking, the Deputy Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Dumle Maol, pledged continued loyalty to the FCT minister.

“Anywhere you go, we will go,” Maol said.

Earlier, the Chairman of Gokana Local Government Council, Mr. Confidence Deko, pledged total support for Wike, attributing the people’s loyalty to his developmental contributions to the area.

“This local government is for you because of what you have done for us,” Deko said.
“Please tell President Tinubu that the people of Gokana appreciate him. The time for payback is near, and we will do the needful.”

In his response, Wike said the visit was to appreciate the people of Gokana for their sustained support and goodwill over the years.

He commended their unity, particularly in backing President Tinubu, noting that unity remained the foundation for progress.

“When you are united, good things will come,” Wike said, urging residents to remain patient and continue to listen to their leaders for guidance at the appropriate time.

The FCT minister further assured the people of his continued partnership with them, revealing that members of both the APC and PDP in Rivers State were united in support of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“That is why you see PDP and APC members here,” Wike said, describing the alliance as a broad-based political collaboration aimed at advancing development in Rivers State and across the country.

Align With Wike or Lose Gokana, APC Chieftain Warns Gov Fubara

Ekiti 2026: PDP Accuses INEC of Bias Over Exclusion of Governorship Candidate

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of bias following the exclusion of its governorship candidate from the list of contestants for the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election.

In a statement issued on Monday by its spokesman, Ini Ememobong, the PDP described the omission as further evidence of what it termed INEC’s “biased disposition” against the party.

According to the PDP, INEC was duly notified of its governorship primaries, monitored the exercise, and subsequently issued reports confirming that the process complied with electoral laws and democratic standards.

The party said INEC later released nomination portal codes for the submission of candidates’ details but allegedly blocked the PDP’s access to the portal days before the submission deadline.

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As a result, the party said it resorted to manual submission of its nomination documents at INEC’s office, adding that the commission acknowledged receipt of the documents.

The PDP maintained that INEC ought to have exercised caution by including the name of Oluwole Oluyede, whom it described as its duly nominated governorship candidate, noting that there was no contrary submission challenging his nomination.

“There was no court order restraining INEC from recognising our candidate, and the commission’s own monitoring report attests to the validity of the primaries,” the statement said.

The party further disclosed that it has commenced legal action to compel INEC to include its candidate on the final list for the election.

“While we undertake this long and tortuous legal route, we once again remind INEC of the expectations of Nigerians that the commission must remain independent, impartial, and neutral in the management of the electoral process,” the PDP stated.

The party warned that actions perceived as undermining electoral integrity could damage democracy and public confidence in the commission.

Ekiti 2026: PDP Accuses INEC of Bias Over Exclusion of Governorship Candidate