By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
Reactions have continued to trail the defection of Peter Obi from the Labour Party to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Obi announced his decision at an event held on Wednesday, December 31, at the Nike Lake Resort in Enugu, with key political figures and party leaders in attendance.
At the event, Obi stressed that the party has begun a rescue journey and is poised to resist election rigging.
Obi’s defection prompted Nigerians, both political loyalists and opposition, to express their opinions across various social media platforms.
For Obi’s supporters, the move is a welcome development, as they note that it will propel his 2027 presidential ambition.
One of such supporters, Ekonyohe Daniels, wrote on Facebook, “Wherever you go, I will go. Your party shall be my party. Your cause shall be my cause. Your stance shall be my stance.
“It doesn’t matter if the entire Nigerians ditch you. If you ever get one vote, then be rest assured it is mine.”
@Samzonal wrote on X, “He didn’t even move alone. He moved alongside heavy men not just from South-East, but from many parts of Nigeria.”
@DaSTReet5 tweeted, “The battle lines are now firmly drawn in Nigeria’s political arena. I’m curious to see how the Jagabanists, loyalists of Bola Tinubu, will counter the fierce pushback from the Obidients and Atikulates (Atiku Abubakar’s base). The 2026-2027 election cycle promises high drama.”
Expressing optimism of Obi’s victory at the 2027 polls, @MrIgwe8 tweeted, “Best idea. Obi, now you come. Work with Atiku to kick Tinubu out.”
However, others noted that Obi’s defection will not augur well for his presidential ambition, especially with the number of states currently being controlled by the All Progressives Congress (APC).
They also condemned his penchant for moving from one party to another, likening it to Atiku Abubakar’s style.
@emekaway wrote, “At this point, Obi should give up the presidential chase.”
@Kryptotajeer said, “Peter Obi is wise enough to know that he needs to merge into the ADC before he can make a real impact. Still, there is more work on the ground to achieve in order to overthrow PBAT and the APC. My view!”
@Ambsdro said, “Tinubu currently has 28 sitting governors under the APC. He is about to secure Kano State, which would bring the total to 29 and I am confident that before the 2027 election, he will have 31 or 32 governors. May Almighty grant Jagaban good health; I can’t wait to see that walkover.”
@Dannymasterp added, “Congratulations to him and hope he doesn’t cry like a baby when Atiku will win him like a newborn baby at the ADC.”
Also, @Mr_Teekay001 wrote, “Very selfish politician who keeps jumping from one party to another like his boss, Atiku.”
@PowerChibueze added, “All this change of party no dey too help sometimes.”
Meanwhile, others expressed concern about Obi’s survival in the party if he does not “play ball” with reference to his position of not giving money for any political favours.
On Facebook, Itodo Samuel Anthony wrote, “Obi should contest the primaries with whomever, whatever party he ends up at. If he doesn’t get the ticket, he should just goan rest. Or like other Nigerians, he should japa.
“Nigeria is rotten, especially its politics. He won’t get anything on a platter, no matter how good his intentions. In fact, the country is designed to deny you if your intentions are good. Compete. If e no pure, rest.”
@WarriWeirdo tweeted, “Good. Now let’s see if they’ll play dirty like APC because LP cannot do that, obviously.”
