The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has declared that Peter Obi cannot contest the 2027 presidential election under its platform unless he formally resigns from the Labour Party.
Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, has reportedly shown renewed interest in the 2027 race and is believed to be aligning with the ADC in recent weeks. However, the ADC's constitution explicitly bars non-members or individuals affiliated with other political parties from vying for elective positions under its banner.
According to Article 8 of the ADC constitution and the Third Schedule guiding the party's primaries, any aspirant seeking to contest under the party must not hold membership or affiliation with another political party. A complete resignation from a former party is a prerequisite for eligibility.
This constitutional hurdle directly affects Obi, as his media aide, Tanko Yunusa, confirmed that the former Anambra State governor remains a card-carrying member of the Labour Party. Yunusa noted that if Obi intends to switch parties, he will make a public announcement.
In contrast, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi may be eligible to pursue the ADC presidential ticket, having exited the PDP and APC respectively. Their moves appear to align with ADC's membership requirements.
The ADC leadership reaffirmed its stance on credible and transparent internal democracy. The party emphasized that its presidential primaries would be conducted either through direct, indirect, or consensus methods as determined by its National Executive Committee.
This development places Obi at a political crossroads as he weighs his future within the Labour Party against the need to secure a viable platform for the 2027 election.
