Friday October 3, 2025
By TheNewsDESK |
Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has withdrawn from the emerging coalition being championed by the African Democratic Congress (ADC), signalling plans to pitch his tent with the Action Alliance (AA).
Obi reportedly disclosed his decision during a private meeting with select supporters in Lagos, according to information obtained by The Eagle Online.
He cited the ADC’s refusal to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South as a major reason for pulling out.
The former Anambra State governor was said to have made it clear that he intends to run as a presidential candidate in 2027—not as a running mate.
At the meeting, Obi expressed frustration over former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s presence in the coalition. He reportedly believes Atiku stands a stronger chance of clinching the ADC ticket and has shown no willingness to step aside.
A source at the parley revealed that Obi is already working on his exit plan from the coalition and has opened talks with the Action Alliance.
The negotiations allegedly include an understanding that he would be adopted as the party’s presidential flag bearer.
Obi defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2023 elections after concluding he had little chance of securing the presidential ticket. He subsequently ran under the Labour Party and has since maintained national visibility.
Inside sources said some South East leaders at the Lagos meeting warned Obi that refusing to build broad alliances—especially with power blocs in the North and South West—could jeopardize his 2027 ambition.
“Some of the leaders told him it would be difficult to win a presidential election without support from the North and the South West,” one attendee disclosed. “They urged him to stay in the ADC coalition, assuring him of backing to secure the party’s ticket.”
However, Obi reportedly replied that he stood little chance of defeating Atiku in any primary contest and preferred to join a platform where he would not need to face such internal battles. Obi had aligned with the ADC-led coalition as part of a broader strategy to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s government in 2027.
His withdrawal is expected to further weaken the opposition’s attempt to form a united front ahead of the polls.