Former Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, alongside several political leaders from Nigeria’s South-East geopolitical zone, has officially declared allegiance to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing the urgent need to “save Nigeria from the failures of the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration.”
The announcement was made on Wednesday in Enugu, the Enugu State capital, following what the leaders described as several months of extensive consultations and strategic engagements across the region and beyond.
According to the group, the decision to adopt the ADC platform is part of a wider effort to build a united opposition front capable of challenging and ultimately removing the ruling APC from power, which they accused of poor governance and economic mismanagement.
Speaking at the gathering, Obi said the end of 2025 marked a defining moment for the country, as Nigerians stand on the brink of a new chapter that could usher in long-overdue socio-economic reforms.
He stressed that Nigeria’s problems are not the result of a lack of resources but are rooted in systemic corruption and leadership failure. “Nigeria is not a poor nation,” Obi said. “We have been deliberately looted into poverty.”
Describing the country as being in a state of deep crisis, Obi pointed to rising insecurity, mass unemployment, widespread poverty and weakened institutions as evidence of national decline. He noted that more than 130 million Nigerians are trapped in multidimensional poverty, while over 80 million youths remain unemployed.
According to him, the nation is not overwhelmed by its population but crippled by impunity, greed and irresponsible leadership. He argued that Nigeria’s challenges stem from betrayal by those entrusted with governance rather than from any inherent national weakness.
Obi also emphasized the importance of urgent and comprehensive electoral reforms, insisting that electoral integrity must form the foundation of any meaningful national transformation. He warned that attempts to rig or manipulate the 2027 general elections would not be tolerated, stressing that the will of the Nigerian people is sacred and must be respected.
Drawing on his international exposure, Obi referenced countries such as Rwanda, Indonesia and several Asian nations as examples of how visionary leadership and national unity can drive development. He compared Rwanda’s dramatic economic turnaround since the mid-1990s with Nigeria’s declining economic indicators, describing the contrast as a tragedy for a country once celebrated as the “Giant of Africa.”
He attributed these divergent outcomes to leadership choices, national discipline and collective purpose, noting that Nigeria possesses both the knowledge and capacity to prosper but lacks the political will to act.
Obi further criticized the Federal Government’s fiscal direction, particularly controversies surrounding recent tax reforms. He argued that it is counterproductive for government policies to worsen citizens’ living conditions while increasing tax burdens, warning that taxing poverty would only deepen economic hardship.
He expressed concern over reports alleging the forgery of a tax law, describing the development as unprecedented and dangerous to national unity and economic stability.
In a major political announcement, Obi formally declared his alignment with a broad opposition coalition operating under the African Democratic Congress, led by former Senate President David Mark. He called on his supporters, the Obidient Movement, and other opposition groups nationwide to rally behind the coalition in the interest of national renewal.
Rejecting the notion that the ruling elite is politically untouchable, Obi said democracy provides Nigerians with the power to remove failed leaders through the ballot. He urged voters to remain vigilant before, during and after the 2027 elections.
Concluding his address, Obi appealed to Nigerians to resist despair, ethnic division and silence, calling instead for unity and collective action to dismantle what he described as a corrupt political structure undermining the country.
He expressed optimism that with courage, determination and national cohesion, a new, inclusive and productive Nigeria is achievable.
The Enugu meeting represents Obi’s strongest political intervention since the 2023 presidential election and is widely expected to significantly influence opposition realignments ahead of the 2027 polls.