By Charles Maduka
The Alternative Platform has criticised former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over his recent defection to the African Democratic Congress, describing the move and the accompanying event in Enugu as poorly conceived and lacking political depth.
In a statement signed by its Convener, Femi Odere, the group said Obi’s decision to formally join the ADC in Enugu, rather than in Anambra State where he previously governed, raised questions about his political judgment and grassroots strength. TAP argued that prominent politicians usually make such major political transitions within their traditional strongholds, adding that the choice of venue contradicted Obi’s claims of national unity and reconciliation.
The group further accused Obi of inconsistency in his political journey, noting his movement from the All Progressives Grand Alliance to the Peoples Democratic Party, later to the Labour Party, and now to the ADC. According to TAP, this pattern reflects what it described as a “me-first” approach to politics, driven by personal ambition rather than ideology. It also dismissed suggestions that Obi could emerge as the ADC presidential flagbearer, insisting that his most likely role would again be that of a running mate.
TAP recalled Obi’s participation in the 2019 election as Atiku Abubakar’s vice-presidential candidate and his 2023 presidential bid on the Labour Party platform, which it said relied heavily on youth mobilisation, religious sentiment and ethnic identity but ultimately resulted in a third-place finish. The group claimed Obi’s political relevance peaked in 2023 and warned that continued realignments could further weaken his standing ahead of the 2027 general election.
The organisation also faulted Obi’s defection speech, describing it as rhetorical and lacking concrete policy solutions. It criticised his remarks on Nigeria’s current challenges and his opposition to President Bola Tinubu’s tax reforms, which TAP said had received positive reviews from economic experts. According to the group, Obi’s appearance at the ADC event in Enugu symbolised what it termed a political spectacle rather than a serious pathway to national leadership.
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