The faction of the Labour Party in Rivers State loyal to 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi has defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), further reshaping the state’s opposition landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The defection comes barely two weeks after Obi himself joined the ADC, an opposition coalition party that has continued to attract support amid growing discontent with Nigeria’s economic and political conditions.
The move was led by the former Rivers State Chairman of the LP faction, Gogo Wellington, alongside members of the Obidient Movement across the state.
Addressing party stakeholders and journalists in Port Harcourt on Monday, Wellington, announced the decision to collapse the group’s political structure into the ADC coalition.
He explained that the defection became unavoidable following the exit of the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate and their political leader, Obi, from the party.
Wellington, who is also the Secretary of the Obidient Movement in Rivers State, described Obi as the most credible political figure capable of steering Nigeria out of its current socio-economic crisis.
He said, “The exit of our principal from the Labour Party marks the end of our sojourn in the Labour Party.
“We are therefore moving with our structure within the Labour Party and the Obedient Movement across the 23 LGAs in River State to join our leader, His Excellency Peter Gregory Obi, in the Africa Democratic Congress.
“The deteriorating state of our economy, worsening insecurity, monumental drop in the standard of living of average citizens, total disregard for the constitutional provisions, and many other woes, have made it evident that the time to coalesce to rescue this nation is now or never.”
Also speaking, the Rivers State Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr Sofiri Peterside, said widespread frustration among Nigerians over worsening living conditions had strengthened the resolve of reform-minded citizens to rally around a credible alternative.
Peterside noted that the prevailing hardship has reinforced the need for a political coalition anchored on good governance and people-oriented leadership.
“The reason why we are pursuing this course is not far-fetched. We belong to a country with plenty but little to feast on.
“We belong to a country where social amenities, healthcare should be a right.
“But then, it is within the confines of a very few that have their powers in our common patrimony.
“And that is why we are standing with this man. He may not be a saint, but he is shining and leading amongst equals, political class, to be somebody that has the interests of the common man.
“The you, the me, the organizer, the market woman.”
Receiving the defectors, the Rivers State Chairman of the ADC, Leader Sampson, assured them of full integration and equal participation within the party’s structure.
He said the ADC was committed to building a united and formidable coalition capable of advancing the collective interest and welfare of Rivers people.
“For River States, we have decided as brothers to come together and work for the benefit of River’s people.
“So, we welcome the Labour Party and the Obedient Movement into the ADC.
“Everybody in this coalition have equal rights. We are here to build a stronger and robust political party that will rescue Nigeria, that will rescue River States.
“And I want to encourage us that this is platform. By 2027, we are not here for a joke.
“We cannot allow few individuals in this state and in this country to take us for a ride. Not anymore.”
The defection, signals a significant shift in opposition politics and positions the ADC as a growing platform ahead of the 2027 general election, with analysts already viewing the party as a potential major challenger to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
