LP Structures Set to Join Peter Obi in ADC – Rivers Chairman Reveals

Party structures and leadership organs of the Labour Party across different states are set to align with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following the recent political move by the party’s 2023 presidential flagbearer, Peter Obi.

This development was disclosed by Gogo Wellington, Chairman of the Nenadi Usman-led faction of the Labour Party in Rivers State, who stated that the expected realignment would involve party organs nationwide joining Obi on the ADC platform.

Wellington made this known after Peter Obi formally exited the Labour Party on Wednesday and declared for the ADC, a move that occurred in Enugu State and involved several prominent Labour Party figures from the South-East region.

In a conversation with correspondent Ifunanya Obeme-Ndukwe, Wellington revealed that the Labour Party had long been engaged in coalition negotiations with opposition stakeholders, explaining that these discussions had now reached a conclusion.

According to him, the outcome of the coalition talks directly influenced Obi’s decision to move to the ADC, describing the shift as a strategic step rather than a sudden political action.

He explained that the Labour Party, as an organization, actively participated in the coalition process, which ultimately produced a clear direction for its principal political figure.

Wellington stated that the completion of those negotiations paved the way for Peter Obi’s formal transition into the ADC, adding that similar decisions are anticipated from Labour Party structures at state levels.

While he did not specify an exact date for the full realignment of party organs, Wellington assured that the process would be finalized within a relatively short timeframe.

Responding to concerns raised by party supporters and observers regarding Obi’s decision to move to a different political platform, Wellington attributed the defection to unresolved internal challenges within the Labour Party.

He emphasized that both Obi and his supporters remain focused on securing a credible and functional political platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Rivers State Labour Party faction chairman expressed confidence in Obi’s capacity to emerge as the ADC’s presidential candidate. However, he noted that even if that outcome does not materialize, the central objective of Obi’s political movement remains the broader goal of addressing Nigeria’s current challenges.

Wellington further disclosed that following Obi’s departure, his supporters no longer consider themselves politically invested in the Labour Party.

He highlighted the persistent issues that have affected Obi’s political aspirations within the party, pointing out that internal disruptions have continued to hinder progress for over a year.

According to Wellington, the presence of destabilizing forces within the Labour Party has significantly contributed to its ongoing internal crisis.

He noted that Obi’s engagement with coalition partners from different political parties was viewed as a positive and necessary step by his supporters, who were actively seeking a viable political structure capable of supporting a credible electoral contest in 2027.

Wellington concluded by stating that the Obedient Movement remains calm and focused, expressing belief in their collective strength to secure political opportunities where available.

He added that regardless of the outcome of the ADC ticket process, the overriding priority for Obi and his supporters is national recovery.

As a result, he stated that Obi’s supporters see no justification for remaining within the Labour Party following their leader’s move to the ADC.