Politics

Peter Obi Poised to Dump Labour Party as Leadership Crisis Worsens

Published

1 month ago

December 15, 2025

Peter Obi Poised to Dump Labour Party as Leadership Crisis Worsens

Former Labour Party presidential candidate and ex-Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, is expected to formally exit the party this week amid prolonged leadership crises, deep internal divisions and unresolved court disputes that have persisted since the 2023 general elections.

Multiple sources confirmed that Obi’s anticipated departure is tied to the Labour Party’s continued instability, marked by factional leadership, parallel executives and prolonged legal battles that have crippled internal cohesion and decision-making.

Investigations by POLITICS NIGERIA reveal that while several opposition parties have opened discussions with Obi, no final decision has been reached on his next political platform. Consultations, insiders say, remain fluid and ongoing.

Speculation has intensified over a possible move to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). However, indications suggest the ADC may not be Obi’s immediate destination due to unresolved structural issues and internal arrangements within the party. Sources familiar with the talks said Obi has raised concerns over internal democracy, leadership clarity and long-term direction—factors believed to have slowed any agreement.

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Emerging alignments within the ADC are also said to be influencing Obi’s calculations, with some developments pointing to a different 2027 presidential election option within the party, a situation that could complicate Obi’s ambition.

Against this backdrop, Obi is reportedly weighing the option of joining an entirely new political platform. Insiders say he is cautious about entering parties with entrenched interests and prior agreements, as he seeks political space to operate independently.

The crisis rocking the Labour Party is rooted in leadership disputes that escalated after the 2023 elections, particularly the controversy surrounding the tenure of former National Chairman Julius Abure. Obi and several party stakeholders have argued that a Supreme Court ruling effectively ended Abure’s leadership, but the continued recognition of his faction by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has prolonged the impasse.

As a result, the party has operated with rival factions, weakening discipline, stalling reforms and undermining efforts to reposition the party nationally. Those close to Obi believe his continued presence has worsened the crisis, as his popularity has been leveraged by competing camps to legitimise their claims.

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Obi’s candidacy transformed the Labour Party into a major political force during the 2023 presidential race, galvanising youths, urban voters and first-time participants under the popular “Obidient” movement. However, that momentum has since declined, with several elected officials defecting over confusion and lack of direction.

Sources say Obi is increasingly concerned that remaining in a party mired in endless disputes could damage his reformist image and weaken his support base ahead of future elections.

Although Obi has yet to officially announce his next move, insiders say he is inclined towards a platform that guarantees leadership clarity, internal democracy and minimal legal distractions.

His expected exit is likely to trigger fresh realignments within the opposition space, as parties position themselves to attract Obi’s supporters.

When contacted, ADC spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi said he could not confirm whether Obi was set to join the party, noting that the ADC would be open to welcoming him if he decides to come on board. Efforts to obtain an official response from the Labour Party were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.

Peter Obi Poised to Dump Labour Party as Leadership Crisis Worsens

Politics

Tension Grows in ADC as Obi, Atiku Supporters Clash Over 2027 Presidential Ticket

Published

3 hours ago

January 21, 2026

Trends Admin

Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi

Tension Grows in ADC as Obi, Atiku Supporters Clash Over 2027 Presidential Ticket

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is experiencing rising internal tension as supporters of former Labour Party candidate Peter Obi and former Vice‑President Atiku Abubakar clash over the party’s 2027 presidential ticket, raising concerns about unity within the opposition ahead of the general elections.

The friction stems from competing ambitions, with both Obi and Atiku positioning themselves to lead the ADC into the 2027 Nigerian elections. Atiku, who resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Obi, who left the Labour Party, have strengthened the ADC’s profile, making it a key opposition platform.

Obi’s supporters, often called the Obidient Movement, fear that Atiku’s extensive political network could overshadow Obi’s bid for the ticket. Atiku, meanwhile, has urged both camps to avoid internal divisions, warning that infighting could advantage the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

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Political analysts note that Obi could only emerge as the party’s flagbearer if Atiku voluntarily steps aside, a move his supporters are unlikely to accept. Former presidential adviser Hakeem Baba‑Ahmed has cautioned that the party risks defections and internal weakening if the dispute is not resolved quickly.

Other prominent figures, such as Rotimi Amaechi, are also being considered for the presidential ticket, adding to the ADC’s internal complexities. Grassroots members have expressed concern that the factionalism could distract the party from addressing critical national issues such as unemployment, insecurity, and economic recovery.

Observers say the ADC’s handling of this internal struggle will be crucial in determining whether it can present a united front and remain a credible alternative to the APC in the 2027 elections.

Tension Grows in ADC as Obi, Atiku Supporters Clash Over 2027 Presidential Ticket

Politics

PDP Clears Goodluck Jonathan, Southern Aspirants for 2027 Presidential Race

Published

3 hours ago

January 21, 2026

Trends Admin

Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan

PDP Clears Goodluck Jonathan, Southern Aspirants for 2027 Presidential Race

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially cleared former President Goodluck Jonathan and other southern Nigerian politicians to contest the party’s 2027 presidential ticket, signalling the start of what could be a highly competitive and high-profile primary race.

PDP National Chairman Kabiru Tanimu Turaki emphasized that the presidential primaries will be open, fair, and transparent, allowing all eligible southern aspirants to participate. The clarification comes amid speculation over whether Jonathan, who previously served two terms as president, would re-enter the national political scene.

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Prominent party leaders, including Professor Jerry Gana, have publicly welcomed Jonathan’s potential bid, stating that he remains eligible and could strengthen the PDP’s chances in the 2027 elections. However, some analysts and legal experts have raised questions about constitutional interpretations regarding a former two-term president, though no legal barrier has formally blocked him from contesting.

The PDP’s announcement also follows the exit of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who resigned over internal party differences and is now associated with the Alliance Democratic Congress (ADC). Meanwhile, speculation continues about other key figures, including Peter Obi, potentially returning to the PDP fold to contest the ticket.

Political commentators suggest the PDP faces the challenge of balancing zoning policies, internal party ambitions, and legal considerations while positioning itself against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election.

With party consultations and primaries ahead, all eyes are on how the PDP will navigate internal politics and legal interpretations to emerge united and competitive in next year’s presidential race in Nigeria.

PDP Clears Goodluck Jonathan, Southern Aspirants for 2027 Presidential Race

Politics

ADC, Obidient Movement Unite with Ex‑APC Leader to Challenge APC in 2027

Published

1 day ago

January 20, 2026

Trends Admin

ADC, Obidient Movement Unite with Ex‑APC Leader to Challenge APC in 2027

In a major political development ahead of the 2027 general elections, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has formally joined forces with the Obidient Movement and former APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie‑Oyegun, to strengthen opposition efforts against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The alliance was announced during a high-profile event in Benin City, Edo State, where leaders of the Obidient Movement officially merged with the ADC, committing to joint mobilisation and grassroots engagement.

Chief Odigie‑Oyegun described the coalition as a timely strategy to consolidate opposition forces and address public dissatisfaction with APC governance. The Obidient Movement — the youth-led network that supported Peter Obi in 2023 — pledged to leverage its national structure to expand ADC’s reach across Edo State and other key regions.

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Political analysts note that the coalition marks a significant opposition realignment in Nigeria, bringing together figures from different parties, including former Labour Party (LP) and APC members, under a single platform aimed at unseating the ruling party in 2027. The coalition has already attracted prominent figures like Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar, positioning the ADC as a credible vehicle for national political influence.

Despite growing momentum, observers caution that internal leadership disputes and competing presidential ambitions within the coalition could pose challenges ahead of the elections. Nonetheless, the alliance signals a concerted effort to reshape Nigeria’s political landscape and present a formidable challenge to APC dominance.