Rivers State Labour Party faction joins ADC after Peter Obi’s defection, signalling major opposition realignment ahead of 2027 general elections
The faction of the Labour Party in Rivers State loyal to the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has officially defected to the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in a significant reshaping of opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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The decision was announced on Monday by former Rivers State Chairman of the Labour Party faction, Gogo Wellington, alongside members of the Obidient Movement, at a press briefing in Port Harcourt.
Wellington said the defection was inevitable following Obi’s exit from the Labour Party, describing the former presidential candidate as “the most credible political figure capable of steering Nigeria out of its current socio-economic crisis.”
“The exit of our principal from the Labour Party marks the end of our sojourn in the Labour Party,” Wellington stated.
“We are therefore moving with our structure within the Labour Party and the Obidient Movement across the 23 local government areas to join our leader, His Excellency Peter Gregory Obi, in the African Democratic Congress.”
Highlighting worsening economic conditions, insecurity, and declining living standards, Dr. Sofiri Peterside, Rivers State Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, explained the defection was motivated by the need for a people-oriented political alternative.
“The reason why we are pursuing this course is not far-fetched. We belong to a country with plenty but little to feast on… that is why we are standing with this man. He may not be a saint, but he is shining and leading among equals to champion the interests of the common man,” Peterside said.
Receiving the defectors, Rivers State ADC Chairman Leader Sampson assured full integration into the party and emphasised collective participation.
“We welcome the Labour Party and the Obidient Movement into the ADC. Everybody in this coalition has equal rights. By 2027, we are not here for a joke,” he said.
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Political analysts suggest the defection signals a growing prominence for the ADC as a potential major challenger to the ruling All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 elections.
