Obi formally registers with ADC, vows to challenge 2026 electoral act

Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, on Saturday, March 8, formally registered as a member of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, as the party launched its membership registration and mobilisation exercise across the 21 local government areas of Anambra State.

Obi completed his registration in his hometown of Agulu in Anaocha local government area.

Speaking during the exercise, he criticised the recently passed 2026 Electoral Act, alleging that it was structured to manipulate the outcome of the 2027 general elections.

He stated that he would challenge the law in court, claiming its provisions were designed to make electoral manipulation easier.

According to him, the electoral framework now allows the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to interfere in the internal processes of political parties rather than concentrating on its constitutional duty of conducting elections.

Obi argued that the commission should remain neutral and avoid determining how parties select their candidates.

The former governor also said the South-East region was united ahead of the 2027 elections and was already engaging with other regions to build a broad opposition alliance.

He maintained that the next election would be a contest between Nigerians and poor leadership, adding that the goal was to create a country where citizens could succeed without political connections.

Obi urged party supporters to mobilise voters across communities, noting that Anambra has about 2.8 million registered voters. He encouraged members to register at their wards and recruit others into the party.

Party leaders also addressed the gathering.

ADC officials explained that the membership drive would take place both online and physically, with thousands of membership cards already distributed across the state.

The party also confirmed it would adopt a direct primary system for selecting candidates.

Among those who registered during the exercise was Senator Victor Umeh, who described the event as historic and a major step in strengthening the party ahead of future elections.