Tension as Peter Obi Defects to ADC — Labour Party Finally Reacts

The interim leadership of the Labour Party (LP), led by Nenadi Usman, has said it backed the defection of the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

This was contained in a statement issued late Wednesday in Abuja by Usman’s Special Adviser on Media, Ken Asogwa.

According to the statement, Usman said Obi had the party’s approval to participate in coalition discussions from the outset. She recalled that on May 26, 2025, the Labour Party formally granted Obi its full support to join the ADC coalition.

She added that the party has not withdrawn this support following Obi’s formal move to the ADC.

Usman noted that while the Labour Party’s leadership remains committed to reclaiming the party from entrenched interests allegedly working to impose a one-party system, members across the country should not be alarmed.

“We give Peter Obi our full support as he joins the ADC. Following Mr 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 party’s fortunes will be revitalised in no time. Even as the party works tirelessly to address the gap created by recent defections, we assure our members that the Labour Party will emerge stronger, better organised, and more focused.

“The ongoing membership revalidation and registration exercise is intended to inject new energy into the party, and we are encouraged by the positive results already being recorded,” she said.