Okey Maduforo, Awka
Tension is brewing between the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Labour Party (LP) over the political affiliation of former presidential candidate Mr. Peter Obi, as both parties continue to lay claims to his membership.
The controversy stems from Obi’s recent political activities in Anambra State. During the recent Anambra South Senatorial District and Onitsha North I Constituency bye-elections, Obi openly campaigned for ADC candidates following the disqualification of Labour Party aspirants. However, he has since been seen campaigning for the Labour Party candidate, Chief George Moghalu, ahead of the upcoming election in two weeks.
Speaking on the development, the Director General of the George Moghalu Campaign Council, Arch. Okey Chukwuogo, dismissed reports suggesting that Peter Obi is associated with both parties, describing such claims as deceitful.
“Anybody saying that Peter Obi belongs to two parties is living in deceit,” Chukwuogo said. “Just two days ago, he was with us at Umunya, Ogbunike, Achalla, Ogbuno, Nibo, and Awka. Everywhere we went, he declared that he is Labour Party and never mentioned ADC as his party.”
Chukwuogo argued that ADC’s claim to Obi’s membership is unfounded, emphasizing that Obi has remained a committed member of the Labour Party.
“ADC cannot be laying claim to someone who is not in their party. Peter has been with us in every major event, from our rallies in Nimo and Awka to market tours, and he continues to identify himself as Labour Party,” he added.
He further explained that while talks about a coalition are ongoing, there is no indication that Obi would run for president under the ADC platform.
“There is no guarantee that Peter Obi would contest in ADC. He wants to be president of Nigeria, but not under a coalition that lacks clarity,” Chukwuogo said.
However, Comrade Patrick Obiano, the Anambra State Chairman of the ADC, maintained that only Peter Obi can clarify the confusion surrounding his membership.
“This question should be directed to Mr. Peter Obi himself,” Obiano said. “But I know that he has repeatedly said he is part of the coalition and in the ADC because of that coalition. The Labour Party is also part of this coalition, despite their internal crisis.”
Obiano acknowledged Obi’s previous support for ADC candidates during the last bye-elections but noted that such support did not translate into electoral victory.
“No one can undermine Peter Obi’s popularity, but he is not the one contesting. He supported our candidates in Anambra South and Onitsha North, yet they lost. Popularity has limits; voters look at the pedigree of individual candidates,” he stated.
As both parties continue to stake claims over Obi’s political allegiance, observers say the controversy reflects deeper tensions within Nigeria’s opposition ranks ahead of the 2027 general elections.
