By Erewunmi Peace

Nigeria’s political scene is heating up as former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi is reportedly finalizing plans to officially join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 elections.

According to sources familiar with ongoing opposition coalition talks, Obi’s formal entry into the ADC has reached an advanced stage, with party structures already being adjusted to accommodate his political base and the broader Obidient Movement.

The development was confirmed in Abuja by Sam Amadi, former chairman of the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and close Obi ally. Amadi emphasized that the push for a unified opposition platform has gained momentum following lessons from the 2023 elections and growing public dissatisfaction across the country.

Several key Obi loyalists have reportedly begun taking strategic positions within the ADC coalition in preparation for his anticipated formal declaration. Recent defections, including Senator Ireti Kingibe and Nenadi Usman, are seen as groundwork for Obi’s move.

Obi’s entry is expected to intensify competition for the ADC presidential ticket, potentially attracting other major figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

Amadi noted that a disciplined, united ADC-led coalition could pose a serious challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.

ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi stated that the party is focused on strengthening internal structures nationwide and is inclined towards producing a presidential candidate by consensus, though primaries remain an option if consensus fails.

Analysts see Obi, Atiku, and Amaechi as frontrunners within the coalition, though disagreements persist over which region should produce the party’s presidential candidate.

ADC chieftain Katchy Ononuju warned that Nigeria is drifting towards a one-party state, insisting that the opposition will resist such a trend.

Supporters like Umar Ardo suggest that economic hardship and insecurity could weaken the APC’s influence, particularly in the North, while the ADC is emerging as a major political force ahead of 2027.