He dismissed the former Anambra governor as a “Nollywood actor” who cannot muster the winning numbers at the polls.
Mr Obi also promised to address security challenges bedevilling the country, especially the North.
The defectors said their defection was informed by the lack of structure of the LP in the North-east region.
“We will secure and restore Nigeria to what it should be,” the Labour Party flag bearer said at a rally in Maiduguri.
He said that voting a person because of his region or religion as against capacity would not improve the wellbeing of the people.
The ruling party’s presidential candidate campaigned in Abeokuta on Wednesday.
“He moved to Lagos. And I am his landlord. I no de worry am. I just dey wait for the day I beat am for election.”
Mr Pat Utomi said “A new modern Lagos state ought to be an arena of democratic freedom”, and not one of voter intimidation and vote suppression.
“With your support, I will fight corruption and block all areas of revenue leakages,” Mr Peter Obi told the traditional leaders.
