Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has officially registered as a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), declaring that he will challenge the newly enacted Electoral Act 2026 in court over concerns that some of its provisions could be used to manipulate the outcome of the 2027 general elections.
Obi made this known while speaking during the launch of the party’s membership registration and mobilisation exercise, stressing that the law must be legally examined to safeguard the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process.
The former governor of Anambra State completed his registration on Saturday in Agulu, his hometown located in Anaocha Local Government Area.
The event marked the formal commencement of the ADC’s membership drive and mobilisation efforts in the state.
Obi explained that his decision to join the party was part of a broader effort by opposition leaders and supporters to strengthen political collaboration and create a viable platform capable of presenting an alternative leadership ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
During the event, Obi criticised aspects of the new electoral legislation, arguing that certain provisions appear to expand the role of the electoral body beyond its constitutional responsibilities. He maintained that the law was passed too quickly and warned that some sections could weaken democratic processes if not properly reviewed.
According to him, these concerns have informed his decision to approach the courts to seek judicial interpretation of the law and ensure that Nigeria’s electoral framework remains fair and transparent.
Obi stated that he intends to legally challenge the law, insisting that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should focus strictly on conducting elections rather than interfering in the internal processes of political parties. According to him, the commission has no justification for dictating how parties organise their primary elections or choose their candidates.
“I am going to challenge the decision in court; INEC has no reason to assume processes in how political parties elect their candidates. Its responsibility is to conduct elections,” Obi said while addressing party supporters.
Using a sporting comparison to explain his position, the former governor argued that the electoral commission should act strictly as a neutral referee during elections rather than attempting to influence how political parties prepare for contests. He noted that determining how candidates emerge within a political party should remain the exclusive responsibility of the party itself.
“You don’t tell a team how to prepare its players before a match. As a referee, INEC’s role is to officiate, not to determine which players a team should field,” he said.
Obi further alleged that some recently introduced laws appear designed to favour the ruling party ahead of the 2027 presidential election. According to him, the pace at which such laws are being introduced suggests an attempt to create conditions that could make it easier to manipulate election outcomes.
“All the laws being hurriedly created are simply aimed at enabling the ruling party to snatch the 2027 presidential election and run away with it,” he said.
The former presidential candidate also urged party members and supporters to intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the next electoral cycle. He stressed that political participation and voter mobilisation would play a critical role in shaping the outcome of the 2027 general elections.
According to Obi, Anambra State alone has about 2.8 million registered voters, adding that party members must actively encourage citizens to participate in the democratic process.
“We have about 2.8 million registered voters in Anambra, and I urge everyone to go to the grassroots and mobilise people to register and be ready to vote,” he said.
Obi also emphasised the importance of unity among opposition political groups across the country, noting that consultations and collaborations are ongoing between leaders from different regions. He said the South-East geopolitical zone is already working collectively while engaging other parts of the country to build a strong political coalition ahead of the next elections.
“In this journey of 2027, we in the South-East are working as a family and discussing with other regions,” he said.
The former governor also expressed concern about Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges, stating that the country’s current situation does not reflect its enormous natural and human resources. He argued that the country must move towards building a system that provides equal opportunities for all citizens regardless of their social background.
“We cannot continue in an era where Nigeria has become one of the worst five countries in the world and the poverty capital of the world,” he said.
Obi added that the broader political movement he and other opposition figures are building is aimed at creating a nation where merit, fairness, and opportunity are accessible to every citizen.
“We are committed to building a Nigeria where the child of a nobody can become somebody without knowing anybody,” he said.
Meanwhile, the National Organising Secretary of the ADC, Chinedu Idigo, explained that the party’s membership registration exercise would be conducted both physically and online to enable wider participation across the state and beyond. He encouraged prospective members to first complete their online registration before visiting designated centres to collect their membership cards.
Idigo disclosed that about 50,000 membership cards had already been delivered to the state, while additional cards were expected as the party continues to expand its membership base.
Also speaking during the event, the ADC candidate in the November 8, 2025 Anambra governorship election, John Nwosu, described Obi’s registration as a significant milestone for the party.
Nwosu said the development marks the beginning of a new political phase for the ADC and urged party members to remain united and focused as preparations begin for future elections.
“This is a day of joy. The journey of Obi to the presidency begins today,” he said, while calling on members of the party to close ranks and avoid internal divisions as they work towards achieving their political objectives.
