ADC faction rejects Obi, disowns Enugu registration

A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by Nafiu Gombe has rejected the defection of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, declaring his purported registration with the party in Enugu State unconstitutional and a violation of established party procedures.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the faction said it was not consulted before Obi’s alleged admission into the party, insisting that the process did not follow the ADC’s constitution and internal guidelines governing membership and high-profile defections.

According to the group, party registration and acceptance—especially of prominent political figures—must be coordinated and approved by the appropriate national organs of the ADC, a step it claimed was ignored in Obi’s case.

“The so-called registration of Mr. Peter Obi in Enugu State is null and void,” the statement said. “It violates the ADC constitution and due process, and cannot be recognised by the party.”

The faction further disowned the Enugu State chapter involved in the registration, alleging irregularities and warning that any actions taken without national approval would not stand.

The development deepens internal tensions within the ADC, coming amid heightened political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections. Obi’s reported move to the ADC had sparked wide reactions across the political space, with supporters viewing it as a strategic repositioning, while critics questioned the process and legality of the defection.

As of the time of filing this report, the national leadership of the ADC and Peter Obi’s media team had not issued an official response to the claims by the Nafiu Gombe-led faction.