Many top leaders of the African Democratic Congress were reportedly planning to defect to the National Democratic Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections, according to Saturday PUNCH........…
According to The PUNCH, it was gathered that among those involved in the unfolding political realignment was the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, .... Peter Obi. Sources close to the former Anambra State governor indicated that the move was driven by growing dissatisfaction with the internal structure of the ADC and increasing uncertainty following a recent Supreme Court judgment.
The judgment, delivered on Thursday, was said to have provided temporary relief but also heightened concerns among coalition leaders ahead of the 2027 elections. Although the apex court vacated the earlier injunction that had removed David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola as National Chairman and Secretary respectively, it did not resolve the underlying leadership dispute, instead directing that the matter be returned to the Federal High Court for further proceedings.
With the core issues still pending, insiders reportedly expressed fears that the eventual ruling could destabilise the party’s leadership at a crucial stage in the electoral cycle. It was also learnt that the lingering crisis, alongside ongoing tensions with supporters of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, had prompted Obi and his allies to reconsider their position within the party.
An ally of Peter Obi who is familiar with the situation disclosed that Obi had been consulting widely with key stakeholders and that, based on the current developments within the ADC, the party appeared to be structured in a way that favoured a particular aspirant. .... The source added that the party was unwilling to zone its presidential ticket to the South, which raised concerns about the credibility of its primary process.
The source further stated that, considering the numerous legal disputes and internal crises within the party, Obi had concluded that the ADC was not a viable platform for his 2027 presidential ambition. It was also revealed that Obi had assured his supporters that he would be on the ballot and had held discussions with the National Democratic Congress, which allegedly promised him an uncontested presidential ticket.
According to the source, Obi was expected to leave the ADC for the NDC within days, and his supporters were likely to follow him in what was described as a significant political move.
He said, “Recall that Obi promised his supporters and Nigerians that his name will be on the ballot. We have met with the NDC and they have promised an unchallenged presidential ticket for him to run in 2027.
“All things being equal, in a couple of days—between now and next week—he is expected to dump the ADC for the NDC. It will be a massive move, and all his supporters are also expected to move with him to the NDC. That is what I know.”…READ / MORE…
