A lecturer at the Department of Political Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Prof Jonah Onuoha, has said the defection of the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, to the African Democratic Party (ADC) may not change the political narrative ahead of the 2027 poll.

Onuoha spoke in Nsukka on Friday during an interview.

He was reacting to Mr Obi’s formal declaration for the ADC on December 31, 2025.

The political scientist said Mr Obi’s 2023 electoral surge, especially in the South-East, where LP won several seats, was unlikely to be repeated in 2027.

According to him, the Obidient movement that drove the 2023 surprise victories has weakened and it will be difficult to revive before the next elections.

He said, “I don’t see Obi’s defection to ADC changing the narrative of electoral victories in the South-East or nationally in 2027. The Obidient spirit that produced the 2023 momentum has largely died and will be difficult to resurrect before the general elections.”

Mr Onuoha said some Nigerians were demoralised after their political expectations were dashed in 2023, weakening the movement’s influence and enthusiasm.

He argued that the collapse of the Obidient movement partly explained Mr Obi’s defection from the Labour Party to the ADC.

Mr Onuoha said the 2027 presidential contest would mainly be between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and ADC, stressing that “the party with the stronger candidate will win.”

He, however, urged politicians to prioritise national unity and avoid actions or statements capable of overheating the polity.

(NAN)