Drama has intensified within Nigeria’s opposition politics as a faction of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, led by its National Chairman, Nafiu Bala, has openly rejected the reported defection and registration of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, describing the development as unconstitutional and misleading.
The faction, which claims to be the authentic national leadership of the ADC, dismissed reports that Obi formally joined the party through its Enugu zonal office, insisting that such a process violates the party’s constitution and cannot be recognised under its rules.
Peter Obi had earlier announced his move to the ADC during a political gathering at the Nike Lake Resort in Enugu State, where he urged opposition forces to unite in order to rescue Nigeria from deepening poverty, growing disunity and what he described as a steady erosion of democratic values.
However, in a New Year message issued in Abuja, Bala said the party was compelled to address what he called deliberate misinformation surrounding ADC membership registration. He stressed that entry into the party must strictly begin at the ward level, which he described as the only constitutionally recognised gateway for new members.
According to him, registration at zonal or national offices is expressly prohibited by the ADC constitution, adding that any membership claims arising from such channels are null, void and of no effect.
Bala stated that the party’s leadership had formally disowned Obi’s reported registration in Enugu and had launched an internal investigation into how the alleged procedural breach occurred. He urged party members and the general public to disregard claims suggesting alternative registration routes, reaffirming that ward-level registration remains the sole legitimate process.
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The ADC faction’s position adds another layer of complexity to the unfolding political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, especially as opposition parties struggle with internal divisions and leadership disputes.
The controversy also comes on the heels of a reaction from the Labour Party, under the Julius Abure-led faction, which described Obi’s reported defection to the ADC as a liberation for the party. The Labour Party leadership claimed that Obi’s exit merely confirmed a long-standing political rift and cleared the path for internal consolidation.
As the dispute continues, political observers say the standoff within the ADC could have far-reaching implications for opposition unity, particularly at a time when calls for a broad coalition against the ruling party are growing louder.
