THIS DAWN — Nigeria’s political temperature is rising again: ahead of the 2027 elections, insiders say Abia State Governor Alex Otti is poised to decamp from the Labour Party (LP) and join the ascendant African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The development is coming barely days after stalwarts such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Governor Nasir El-Rufai of kaduna State made the switch.
While Governor Otti publicly denied plans to defect — emphatically stating in early July that he remains loyal to Labour Party — sources close to party strategists claim the political winds have shifted dramatically.
With ADC consolidating as the main opposition platform, insiders argue Otti’s migration will be the latest blow to LP’s already fragile prospects.
The urgency to act, the sources say, stems from pressure by coalition leaders seeking a united front.
The call comes after ADC formally became the coalition vehicle for opposition heavyweights.
This includes Atiku — who recently completed registration and collected his ADC membership card from his home state.
Next was El-Rufai, who this week also officially signed up, picking up his own card at the party’s Kaduna office.
The timing matters, observes political analysts.
ADC rebrands, expands, absorbs defectors
ADC’s recent swell in rank and file, plus its re-structured leadership under former Senate President David Mark, signals that the party is ramping up for full-scale battle in 2027.
For Otti, the gamble could mean access to a national platform — and a serious shot at broader influence beyond Abia.
Yet, critics argue the defection will be a betrayal of the voter base that elected him on a Labour Party ticket.
LP loyalists warn that such a move would further weaken the party’s already dwindling national relevance.
On the other hand, ADC absorbs defectors and rebrands itself as the primary opposition alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Inside political circles, the whispers are growing louder: Otti’s alleged defection could be the biggest shockwave of 2025’s pre-election realignments.
If confirmed, it would mark a significant shift in Nigeria’s political landscape — possibly reshaping alliances, power blocs, and strategies ahead of 2027.
We are monitoring developments closely…
