Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has said he left the Labour Party after being informed that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would not recognise the party’s leadership as long as he remained a member.
Obi made the disclosure on Saturday, February 15, in Uyo at the OBIDIENT Conference and Official Declaration for ADC themed, “Activating the PO Effect in ADC.” Addressing supporters, he suggested that his continued stay in the party had become an obstacle to its official recognition.
Explaining his decision to defect, Obi said, ” Democracy must work, I left Labour party when I got informed that as long as I remain in the party, INEC will not recognize its leadership, that the federal government don’t want me on ballot paper, but I want to assure you that I will contest the coming election even if it holds in their bedroom and if they don’t want to transmit the results, we will transmit it for them.
He maintained that his exit was rooted in the need to safeguard democratic principles and ensure his participation in the 2027 presidential race.
READ ALSO: 2027 Shake-Up: Obi, Kwankwaso Alliance Proposal Gains Traction
Obi also stressed the importance of credible elections, declaring, “Nigeria must get it right in 2027, election results must be transmitted online in real time and whoever fails to transmit results will be transmitted.”
Obi formally announced his resignation from the Labour Party earlier this year following prolonged leadership disputes within the party and concerns over its recognition by INEC.
Shortly after his exit, he aligned with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), positioning it as the new political platform for his movement ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The event also featured calls from leaders of the OBIDIENT Movement urging supporters to remain united and mobilise nationwide ahead of the 2027 general elections.