Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has officially defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a party backed by a coalition of opposition figures.
The former Anambra State governor announced his decision on Tuesday at an event held at the Nike Lake Resort, Enugu.
“We are ending this year with the hope that in 2026 we will begin a rescue journey,” Obi said.
“We will resist rigging of election by every lawful means in 2027,” he added.
Obi said preparations for the next general election must begin immediately, urging Nigerians to take pre-election processes seriously.
“We still have a one-year window for everyone to go and verify the schools they attended,” he said.
“We do not want to return to court again only to be told it is a pre-election matter.
“The pre-election process should start now.”
The event was attended by David Mark, national chairman of the ADC, as well as several prominent politicians, including Aminu Tambuwal, former governor of Sokoto State; Emeka Ihedioha, former deputy speaker of the House of Representatives; and senators Victor Umeh, Tony Nwoye, Gilbert Nnaji, Enyinnya Abaribe, Sam Egwu and Ben Obi. Other lawmakers and dignitaries were also present.
Obi had resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on May 25, 2022, citing internal developments that, according to him, “do not support constructive contributions.” He joined the Labour Party two days later and contested the 2023 presidential election, where he finished third.