2027: “I Will Leave ADC If Primary Is Compromised” — Peter Obi Threatens to Dump Party Ahead of Presidential Race
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The 2027 presidential hopeful and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peter Obi, has stated that he will not hesitate to leave the party if its presidential primary process is compromised or fails to meet democratic standards.
Ejes Gist News reports that Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, made the disclosure during an interview on Arise Television, shortly after the ADC concluded its national convention in Abuja on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
“I Will Not Be Part of Compromise”
The former governor of Anambra State responded to questions about his history of party defections—from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), then to the Labour Party, and now to the ADC.
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When asked whether he would leave the ADC under similar circumstances, Obi responded:
“I don’t have a long time in politics. But if I have to do it 20 times, I will do it—leave the ADC. I will not be part of compromise. I cannot be talking about change while being part of the same process.”
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The statement has raised questions about his long-term commitment to the ADC and the stability of the coalition supporting his 2027 ambition.
Why Obi Left APGA, PDP, and Labour Party
During the interview, Obi outlined the reasons behind his previous defections:
On leaving APGA:
He cited “discriminatory issues” involving his successor, Willie Obiano, as a key factor, suggesting internal party processes were undermined.
On leaving PDP:
Obi described the party’s 2023 presidential primary as “transactional.”
“The rules were not followed in the PDP. The presidential primary was transactional, and I did not have the money to pay people,” he said.
The primary produced Atiku Abubakar as the party’s candidate. Obi exited the party shortly before the exercise and later contested under the Labour Party.
On the Labour Party:
While he did not provide extensive details, the party’s post-election internal crisis is widely seen as a contributing factor to his departure.
Also Read: Peter Obi shouldn’t have been allowed to contest presidential election — Justice Ayo Salami
ADC Crisis Deepens Political Uncertainty
Obi’s remarks come at a sensitive time for the ADC, which is facing an internal leadership crisis.
David Mark and Nafiu Bala Gombe have laid competing claims to party leadership, with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) withdrawing recognition from both factions.
A recent Supreme Court development further complicates the situation, with legal proceedings on party leadership scheduled for April 22, 2026.
Against this backdrop, Obi’s conditional stance places pressure on party leaders to conduct a credible presidential primary.
Reactions Trail Obi’s Statement
The comments have triggered mixed reactions across political circles and social media, with analysts divided over their implications.
Some critics argue that repeated party switching reflects inconsistency, while supporters maintain that Obi’s stance demonstrates a refusal to participate in compromised political processes.
Implications for the 2027 Election
Obi’s position introduces new uncertainty into the 2027 presidential race, with several potential outcomes:
- Increased pressure on ADC to ensure a transparent primary process
- Possible instability within opposition coalitions
- Renewed speculation about alternative political platforms
- Challenges to efforts aimed at opposition unity
Amaechi’s Earlier Position
The development follows remarks by former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, who advised the ADC to prioritise a credible and broadly acceptable candidate ahead of the 2027 election.
What Next?
Attention now shifts to the ADC’s presidential primary process, which is expected to shape the party’s direction ahead of the 2027 elections.
Obi’s position underscores a clear condition: participation in the process will depend on its perceived credibility and adherence to democratic standards.
This is a developing story. Ejes Gist News will continue to monitor reactions from political stakeholders and provide updates as events unfold.
