The chances of Mr. Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, contesting under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the upcoming 2027 general elections have been dealt a significant blow due to constitutional provisions within the ADC’s framework.
Despite Obi’s visible alignment with the ADC in recent months and ongoing speculation about his political future, the party’s internal guidelines have effectively disqualified him at least for now from seeking its presidential ticket.
ADC’s Constitution Disqualifies Dual-Party Affiliates
According to Article 8 of the ADC Constitution and provisions in the Third Schedule governing party primaries, any aspirant vying for an elective position under the ADC must not be a member of another political party. Furthermore, in cases where such previous membership exists, a formal resignation letter must be submitted before the individual can be considered eligible.
“An aspirant must not belong to any other political party,” the ADC constitution explicitly states. “Where such affiliation previously existed, a letter of resignation must be presented.”
Peter Obi, who has neither publicly resigned from the Labour Party nor issued any formal communication about leaving the platform, falls outside the eligibility bracket defined by the ADC's constitution.
Peter Obi Still a Labour Party Member – Aide Confirms
In response to questions about Obi's party status, his media aide, Tanko Yunusa, confirmed that the former Anambra State Governor remains a registered member of the Labour Party.
“That will be made public if he decides to do that [resign]. At the moment, he is still a member of the Labour Party,” Yunusa stated, adding to speculation about whether Obi might make a formal switch in the future.
Atiku, Amaechi Comply with ADC Requirements
While Obi’s eligibility remains in limbo, the ADC appears to have cleared the way for two other high-profile politicians—former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi both of whom have taken steps to comply with ADC’s guidelines.
Atiku Abubakar Resigns from PDP
Atiku, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), officially severed ties with the party via a resignation letter dated July 14, 2025. The letter, addressed to his ward chairman in Jada Local Government Area of Adamawa State, cited deep-seated disillusionment with the PDP’s internal processes and abandonment of its founding ideals.
“The party I once helped build has lost its soul. The principles of internal democracy have been replaced with imposition, and the grassroots have been silenced,” Atiku wrote in his resignation.
Amaechi Cuts Ties with APC, Joins ADC
Similarly, Rotimi Amaechi, a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Governor of Rivers State, resigned from the APC on July 1, 2025. He publicly announced his departure the next day during an event organized by the ADC in Abuja.
In his speech, Amaechi delivered a scathing critique of the APC and Nigeria’s electoral system, alleging widespread corruption and complicity by INEC in manipulating election outcomes.
“Nigeria is on the brink of collapse. The APC and INEC have together destroyed public confidence in our democracy,” Amaechi declared.
ADC Reaffirms Commitment to Credible Primaries
In an internal memo obtained from the party, the ADC reiterated that its candidate nomination process will be transparent, democratic, and compliant with the Electoral Act. The party reserves the right to adopt direct primaries, indirect primaries, or consensus methods, depending on the decision of its National Executive Committee (NEC).
“The electoral committee of the party shall conduct primary elections that will produce credible candidates who reflect the will of the people,” the statement read.
Implications for Peter Obi’s Political Future
Unless Peter Obi publicly resigns from the Labour Party and satisfies the ADC’s constitutional requirements, his potential to contest the 2027 presidential election under its banner remains unlikely. As political permutations continue ahead of the next general elections, all eyes remain on Obi to see whether he will make a definitive move to align with a new platform or reaffirm his commitment to the Labour Party.
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