Obi’s ADC defection unlikely to shift 2027 politics — Don

Prof Jonah Onuoha says Mr Peter Obi’s defection to the African Democratic Party (ADC) may not change the political narrative ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Onuoha, a lecturer at the Department of Political Science, University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), spoke in Nsukka on Friday during an interview with our reporter.

He was reacting to Obi’s decision to dump the Labour Party and formally join the ADC on Dec. 31, 2025.

The political scientist said Obi’s 2023 electoral surge, especially in the South-East, where LP won several seats, was unlikely to be repeated in 2027.

According to him, the Obidient movement that drove the 2023 surprise victories has weakened and would be difficult to revive before the next elections.

“I don’t see Obi’s defection to ADC changing the narrative of electoral victories in the South-East or nationally in 2027.

“The Obidient spirit that produced the 2023 momentum has largely died and will be difficult to resurrect before the general elections,” he said.

Onuoha said some Nigerians were demoralised after their 2023 expectations were dashed, weakening the movement’s influence and enthusiasm.

He argued that the collapse of the Obidient movement partly explained Obi’s decision to leave the Labour Party for the ADC.

Onuoha said the 2027 presidential contest would mainly be between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and ADC, stressing that “the party with the stronger candidate will win.”

He, however, urged politicians to prioritise national unity and avoid actions or statements capable of overheating the polity.