Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has formally joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), signalling his commitment to a national coalition aimed at rescuing Nigeria from worsening socio-economic challenges and democratic decay. The announcement came at a landmark gathering at Nike Lake Hotel, Enugu, attended by prominent political leaders, former governors, legislators, youth, and women leaders.
The event, chaired by Chief Simeon Okeke and anchored by Senator Victor Umeh, highlighted Enugu’s historical significance as the former Eastern Region capital. Chief Okeke urged the Igbo to champion unity and progress, calling for collective action to address Nigeria’s crises.
Speaking to the audience, Obi described Nigeria as being at a critical juncture requiring clarity, courage, and decisive action. He criticised a small political elite for monopolising state institutions, diverting resources, and perpetuating electoral injustice, warning that any attempt to rig the 2027 elections would be resisted through lawful means.
Obi called for urgent reforms, including strengthening the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), enforcing electoral laws, ensuring transparent result transmission, and delivering credible elections in 2027. He emphasised that restoring public trust and responsive governance hinges on these steps.
Highlighting the country’s challenges - widespread poverty, high youth unemployment, insecurity, and disunity - Obi noted that over 130 million Nigerians live in multidimensional poverty. Yet, he expressed optimism about Nigeria’s potential to become a functional, inclusive nation. He argued that poor leadership and disunity, not a lack of resources, are Nigeria’s core problems, citing Rwanda and Indonesia as examples of progress through honest leadership and effective resource management.
Obi also criticised fiscal policies, particularly controversial tax laws, arguing that “taxing poverty undermines national unity and fails to create wealth for the people.”
The gathering demonstrated strong political support for Obi. Chief Ben Obi highlighted nationwide consultations that underscored the need for credible leadership, framing the creation of a new Igbo political block as a patriotic mission.
Senator Victor Umeh announced that all Labour Party members, including Obi, had resigned to join ADC. Emeka Ihedioha proposed that National Assembly members present follow suit, seconded by Prof. Osita Ogbu. Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe resigned from APGA, pledging loyalty to Obi, while Aisha Yusuf declared her intention to join ADC.
Chief Onyema Ugochukwu expressed hope that Obi would become the ADC presidential candidate, saying: “It is time for the younger generation to lead.” Youth leader Chinonso Obasi and women representative Josephine Anenih highlighted Obi’s leadership appeal across generations and demographics.
Former Senate President David Mark and ADC officials praised the party’s principles of equality, justice, and progressiveness, commending the South-East’s support and pledging to uphold internal democracy, respect members, create jobs, and deliver productive leadership.
The event marked a decisive step toward national unity and transformation, with former governors, legislators, and community leaders publicly pledging support. The broad turnout, spilling outside the hall, reflected growing national consensus around Obi’s leadership and the ADC-led movement for democratic renewal.
Prominent attendees included former Senate President David Mark; Chief Simeon Okeke; former governors Achike Udenwa and Sam Egwu; Senators Aminu Tambuwal, Victor Umeh, and Enyinnaya Abaribe; Emeka Ihedioha; Chief Ben Obi; Prof. Osita Ogbu; Chief Onyema Ugochukwu; Dr. Josephine Anenih; Prof. Pat Utomi; and representatives of the Obidient Movement led by Dr. Yunusa Tanko.
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