LP's Peter Obi Opens Up on Why He Joined ADC Coalition

• Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, reiterated that he remained a member of the party, despite his involvement in a political coalition
• During an interview on July 6, 2025, he dismissed speculation that his participation in the coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) meant he had left the Labour Party
• Obi, who joined the Labour Party ahead of the 2023 elections, recently aligned with several prominent political leaders with the aim of unseating President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 polls

Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering politics, elections, and governance in Nigeria.

FCT, Abuja - Peter Obi has said he joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition because one needs the experience of those who have failed and those who have succeeded.

Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, spoke in an interview on Channels Television on Sunday night, July 6, 2025, which was monitored by Legit.ng.

ADC coalition: 'You need experience' - Obi

Obi defended his decision to join the ADC coalition, despite previously representing the Labour Party.

"You need the experience of those who have failed and those who have succeeded."

The clip can be watched below:

Obi added:

“The coalition just adopted a party for 2027. So, we are trying to work together for the sake of Nigeria.

“Today, I am a Labour Party member. I remain in the Labour Party. But we have all agreed to work as a coalition for the 2027 election, and for that, we’ve adopted ADC. Going on, other parties, other individuals will also come in.

“We want better governance for this country. We want to see a more competent government with capacity and character."

Presidency slams Obi over joining coalition

Meanwhile, the Bola Tinubu administration earlier called out Obi over his involvement in the newly formed coalition of opposition politicians, many of whom it once accused of running a 'structure of criminality'.

Berating Obi for aligning with the same politicians he had previously condemned, presidential spokesperson Daniel Bwala said via X:

“Surprisingly, the same Peter Obi has joined the structure of criminality.”

Bwala also took a swipe at Obi’s supporters, known as Obidients, saying:

“The Obidient movement are so ashamed that after calling people names about changing political parties and direction, are seeing their very own idol demonstrating anywhere belle face; PDP-APGA-PDP-Labour-ADC.”

Obi, who contested against Tinubu and came third in the 2023 presidential election, has remained a vocal opposition figure and critic of the current administration.

The presidential hopeful often criticised Tinubu’s leadership.

Absence of governors may cripple coalition’s strength - Analyst

Following Peter Obi’s alliance with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition, political analyst Dr. Toks Oguntuga raised concerns over the bloc’s strength and viability ahead of the 2027 elections.

“The coalition conspicuously lacks the presence and endorsement of any sitting governor,” Oguntuga told Legit.ng.

“In the intricate chessboard of Nigerian politics, governors are the equivalent of General Officers Commanding during the military epoch, indispensable powerbrokers without whom no political insurrection or realignment can succeed.”

“They are not merely symbolic figureheads; they are the financial juggernauts and logistical architects of presidential campaigns,” he added.

Oguntuga emphasised that the lack of gubernatorial backing is a critical gap that cannot be overlooked.

“Let us be candid: how many of the current governors have thrown their considerable weight behind this coalition? The answer is resoundingly clear; none,” he said.

“So then, who will bankroll the coalition’s presidential ambition? Where will the war chest come from?” he asked, casting doubt on the coalition’s electoral sustainability.

Why Obi might abandon coalition midway - Dr. Oguntuga

Turning his focus to Obi, Oguntuga cast serious doubt on Obi’s willingness to stick with the coalition:

“Speaking of Obi, his impatience is well documented. His hasty departure from the PDP suggests he lacks the temperament for coalition politics.”

“Should he sense impending defeat within the coalition’s internal processes, rest assured he will bolt and chart a solo course,” Oguntuga added.

Read more on Peter Obi:

• 2027 election: "Peter Obi should not be anyone's VP": Datti Baba-Ahmed declares, gives reasons
• Lege Miami repels Peter Obi, ADC coalition, begins 2027 campaign for Tinubu as he flaunts Merch
• "You lied about Peter Obi": Comedian Acapella, Sowore clash over ex-gov’s 'dirty secrets' with Abacha

'I'll contest in 2027' — Obi

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Obi again confirmed that he would run for the role of president in the 2027 election.

He named three priorities for his first 100 days: enhancing security, bolstering education, and eradicating poverty.

Editorial assistant Ololade Olatimehin provided exclusive commentary from a political analyst for this report.

Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng