Obi’s defection to ADC stirs controversy, as faction rejects process

The political waves generated by Peter Obi’s high-profile defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) hit a massive legal and constitutional wall on Thursday.

A powerful faction of the party, led by National Chairman Nafiu Gombe, has officially disowned the former Labour Party presidential candidate’s registration, declaring it as “irregular” and a violation of the party’s foundation.

In a move that threatens to derail the momentum of the proposed “rescue coalition,” the Gombe-led National Working Committee (NWC) insisted that the registration conducted at the party’s Enugu zonal office carries no legal weight.

The controversy erupted shortly after Peter Obi’s grand announcement at the Nike Lake Resort in Enugu State. During that event, Obi had passionately called on Nigerians and opposition forces to unite under a broad coalition to “rescue Nigeria from poverty, disunity and democratic decline.”

However, in a New Year message issued from Abuja, Nafiu Gombe clarified that the ADC would not compromise its internal discipline for political expediency. He maintained that the party is built on order and strict adherence to its constitution.

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“It has come to our attention that a certain Mr Peter Obi was reportedly registered at a party zonal office in Enugu,” Gombe stated. “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.”

The ADC chairman outlined a rigorous, bottom-up registration process that he claims was bypassed in the rush to welcome the former Anambra Governor. According to the leadership, the ADC constitution does not recognize “zonal” or “national” registrations for new members.

Explaining the legal entry point, Gombe said: “The process of registering with the ADC is clearly outlined as follows: ward registration. Prospective members must register in their respective ward levels within their state of origin or residence. This is the primary and constitutionally recognised point of entry.”

He further added: “On documentation and issuance of membership card, upon successful registration at the ward level, a validated party membership card is issued.”

By rejecting the Enugu exercise, the ADC leadership has effectively declared Obi a non-member until he complies with ward-level protocols. The party further warned that any attempt to circumvent these rules would be met with institutional resistance.

“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,” Gombe emphasized.

The Chairman did not mince words regarding the party’s official stance: “Therefore, the office of the national chairman distances the original, constitutionally-governed ADC from the reported registration of Mr Peter Obi at the Enugu Zonal office. The party is investigating this breach of due process.”

This internal friction comes at a sensitive time. Just 24 hours prior, the Julius Abure-led National Working Committee of the Labour Party had seemingly closed the door on their former flagbearer, describing Obi’s defection to the ADC as a “liberation” for their party.

As the general public and party supporters navigate these conflicting signals, the Gombe-led ADC has urged everyone to disregard any registration claims that do not originate from the ward level.

With the ADC now investigating the “breach,” the ball remains in Peter Obi’s court to see if he will submit to the party’s ward-level bureaucracy or if this registration row signals a deeper fracture within his new political home.

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