Former presidential hopeful and Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, alongside Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central, and former lawmaker Senator Ben Obi, officially registered as members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Saturday. The registration took place in Awka, Anambra State, during the formal flag-off of the party’s membership registration and mobilization exercise. The political leaders urged their supporters to return to their respective wards to register and to actively mobilize new members to join the party.

Specifically, Peter Obi registered at Agulu Ward 2 in Anaocha Local Government Area, while Senator Victor Umeh registered at Aguluzigbo Ward 1 in the same local government. Senator Ben Obi registered at Agulu Awka in Awka South Local Government Area.

During the event, the ADC leaders strongly vowed to challenge the newly passed Electoral Act 2026 in court. They alleged that the legislation was hastily designed with provisions skewed to manipulate the outcome of the 2027 general elections. Peter Obi criticized these efforts, stating, "All the laws being hurriedly churned out now are simply aimed at enabling them to snatch the 2027 presidential election and run away with it." He added, "But this time, we will catch them."

Obi further expressed strong disapproval of what he perceived as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)'s interference in the internal processes of political parties. He argued that INEC has no reason to dictate how parties should elect their candidates during primary elections. "INEC should focus on how to conduct elections. They now choose to abandon their work as referee and then want to teach a coach how to select their players," Obi remarked, emphasizing that some provisions of the Electoral Act would be challenged.

The former governor also accused those in power of prioritizing electoral control over genuine governance, highlighting the nation's critical issues. "We are now the country with the worst power problem, but what they are talking about is how to snatch and run with election results. This time, we will not let them run," he asserted, adding, "If they do, we will grab them. They will not be able to do it this time."

Discussing the ADC's prospects for the upcoming general elections, Obi affirmed that political leaders across the South-east geopolitical zone are working collaboratively as a "family" within the ADC. He noted that they are also engaging stakeholders from other parts of the country to build a united opposition front. "On this journey, South-east is working as a family. All the notable political leaders are here in ADC and we are discussing with other parts of the country," he said.

Obi called on Nigerians to register massively with the party, framing the 2027 election as a crucial contest against "bad leadership." He stressed the South-east's integral role in Nigeria, advocating for a new Nigeria that is secure and free from poverty. "We want Nigeria to be a secure country, not one that is the fifth most insecure country in the world, and the number one country where no one wants to be born in," he explained, reinforcing the commitment to unite opposition parties for a functional Nigeria.

Senator Ben Obi, who chaired the flag-off ceremony, assured members of fairness and unity within the party. He declared, "I want to assure you that no one will be cheated. We all have one goal, and the goal is to ensure that Peter Obi becomes the president." He also mentioned that party leaders are actively engaging stakeholders nationwide to strengthen the ADC’s political base.

Adding logistical details, Chairman of the Registration Committee, Rt. Hon. Benchuks Nwosu, announced that in the initial phase of the exercise, 150 membership cards would be distributed to each of the 326 wards in Anambra State, with one register allocated per ward.