A significant faction within the African Democratic Congress has publicly disowned the reported registration of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, at its Enugu zonal office. The group, led by the party's National Chairman, Nafiu Gombe, declared the exercise null and void, citing a clear violation of the ADC's constitutional procedures.
Constitutional Breach Alleged by ADC Leadership
In a New Year statement issued from Abuja on January 1, 2026, Nafiu Gombe clarified what he termed misleading information about the party's membership process. The statement emphasized that the ADC operates under strict rules, and the reported registration of Peter Obi at a zonal office did not follow the laid-down procedures. Gombe, who leads the faction describing itself as the authentic national leadership, stressed that the party's constitution only recognizes registrations conducted at the ward level.
"It has come to our attention that a certain Mr Peter Obi was reportedly registered at a party zonal office in Enugu. The NWC wishes to categorically state that this action does not align with the constitutional and stipulated procedures for membership registration into the African Democratic Congress," Gombe stated.
Ward Registration: The Only Valid Entry Point
Gombe provided a detailed breakdown of the ADC's official registration pathway. He explained that prospective members must first register at their respective ward levels within their state of origin or residence. This step is described as the primary and constitutionally recognized point of entry into the party.
"The party's constitution does not provide for the registration of individuals at zonal or national offices outside of their designated wards. Any registration carried out contrary to this provision is considered irregular and invalid," he asserted. He added that membership cards are issued only after successful ward registration and validation, rendering any documentation from a zonal office illegitimate.
Internal Investigation and Political Fallout
The ADC leadership has distanced the "constitutionally governed ADC" from the Enugu exercise and announced the commencement of an internal investigation into the alleged breach of due process. This development follows Peter Obi's public announcement of his defection to the ADC at a political gathering held at the Nike Lake Resort in Enugu State, where he called for a broad opposition coalition.
Meanwhile, the Labour Party, under Julius Abure's National Working Committee, responded to Obi's departure with criticism. The party's spokesman, Obiora Ifoh, described Obi's exit as a relief, stating the LP regretted presenting him as its presidential candidate in the 2023 election. The LP also mocked Obi's defection speech, labeling it as "lacklustre" and questioning what new ideas he intends to offer Nigerians.
The situation highlights the internal procedural disputes within the ADC and marks a significant moment in the political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
