Peter Obi urges ADC support as Labour Party lacks INEC-recognised candidates for August 16 by-elections in 16 states

Peter Obi urges ADC support in the forthcoming August 16, 2025, by-elections, telling his followers not to back the Labour Party due to its absence of INEC-recognised candidates.

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The former Labour Party presidential candidate made the appeal in a post on his X handle on Thursday, citing the party’s lingering internal crisis as the reason for its electoral absence.

The by-elections will take place in 16 states, with two senatorial seats, five House of Representatives positions, and nine State Assembly seats up for grabs.

“Kindly note that because the Labour Party has no recognised candidates by INEC due to the internal crisis,” Obi wrote.

“I humbly urge every member of Obidient and COPDEM families to go out and vote for the coalition political party, African Democratic Congress (ADC), in their respective states.”

Political observers note that Obi’s directive could significantly boost ADC’s performance, given the size and loyalty of his “Obidient” movement.

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The move also underscores the depth of the Labour Party’s internal divisions ahead of critical elections.