The African Democratic Congress (ADC) may have ruled out former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, from contesting under its platform in the 2027 general election, based on a key provision in its constitution.

According to Article 8 of the party’s Third Schedule on Primary Election Guidelines, all presidential aspirants must not be affiliated with any other political party at the time of their declaration.

This clause could serve as a major roadblock for Obi, who is still officially a member of the Labour Party. His media aide, Mr. Tanko Yunusa, confirmed the development, stating:
“That will be made public if he decides to do that. At the moment, he is still a member of the Labour Party.”

With Obi’s eligibility in question, political observers say the stage may now be set for figures like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, to emerge as strong contenders should they seek the ADC presidential ticket.

This development adds a new twist to the build-up toward the 2027 elections, as opposition alliances and party crossovers continue to shape Nigeria’s political landscape.

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has issued a stern warning to former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, cautioning him against visiting the state without prior notification and approval from the state government.

The governor’s remarks, captured in a video that has gone viral on social media, underscore a growing trend of opposition-led state governments expressing concern over visits by Obi—particularly those deemed humanitarian in nature.

“There’s a new sheriff in town,” Governor Okpebholo stated during an address to his supporters. “Peter Obi cannot enter Edo State without informing me. His security will not be guaranteed if he does. If anything happens to him here, he will have himself to blame. This is not a joke.”

Okpebholo further criticized Obi over a previous visit to the state in which he reportedly donated N15 million. The governor questioned the consistency of Obi’s public image with his financial gestures, referencing Obi’s oft-repeated claim of living a frugal lifestyle.

“He says he has no ‘shishi’ [money], yet he came here and gave out N15 million. Where did that money come from?” the governor queried. “After that visit, there was unrest in Benin, and unfortunately, three lives were lost. This is why I am insisting that any future visit must be formally communicated to my office.”

This warning follows a similar incident in April 2025, when Obi was allegedly advised against visiting an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp in Benue State. That visit was part of his humanitarian outreach to communities affected by violence linked to herdsmen.

Governor Okpebholo’s comments have sparked public debate, raising questions about the intersection of politics, security, and humanitarian engagement in Nigeria’s evolving democratic landscape.

A major development is underway in Nigeria, as the Senatorial Committee’s nationwide tour on state creation has reached its conclusion. The committee’s efforts are expected to lead to the establishment of new states across the country’s six geopolitical zones.

Here are the proposed new states:

South West:

1. Ijebu State (from Ogun State)
2. Ibadan State (from Oyo State)

South East:

1. Anim State (from parts of Anambra and Imo States)
2. Adada State (from Enugu State)

South South:

1. Toru-Ibe State (from parts of Ondo, Edo, and Delta States)
2. Obolo State (from Akwa Ibom State)

North East:

1. Savanna State (from Borno State)
2. Amana State (from Adamawa State)

North West:

1. Tiga State (from Kano State)
2. Gurara State (from Southern Kaduna)

North Central:

1. Okura State (from Kogi State)
2. Apa State (from Benue State)

This historic expansion is poised to reshape Nigeria’s political landscape and usher in a new era of development and growth.