Mr. Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election and former Anambra State governor, has officially defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). This significant declaration was made on a Wednesday in Enugu, the capital of Enugu State, where Obi was joined by numerous prominent political leaders from the South-East geopolitical zone and other parts of the country. The move follows months of extensive consultations and is aimed at establishing a robust, united opposition platform.

According to the leaders, this defection to the ADC is part of a larger, collective endeavor to collaborate with like-minded individuals nationwide. Their shared objective is to “rescue Nigeria from the poor governance of the All Progressives Congress (APC),” emphasizing the urgent need for a credible alternative to the ruling party.

The event in Enugu drew a distinguished roster of political figures. Among them were former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha; Senators Ben Obi, Victor Umeh, Tony Nwoye, Gilbert Nnaji, Enyinnaya Abaribe, and Sam Egwu; and Chief Onyema Ugochukwu. Additionally, several serving and former members of the National Assembly were in attendance. The presence of leaders from beyond the South-East underscored the national scope of this initiative, including former Senate President and national chairman of the ADC, Senator David Mark, and former governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aminu Tambuwal, alongside other former governors from the South-East and various political heavyweights.

Speaking at the gathering, Peter Obi articulated that his decision to join the ADC marks the inception of a new political journey. He stated this journey is dedicated to reclaiming Nigeria from what he characterized as the APC’s “misrule.” Obi remarked, “Today is an important day. As the last day of 2025, we are ending this year with hope that in 2026, we will begin a genuine journey to rescue our country for proper socio-economic development that is unifying and inclusive.” He also voiced deep concern over the erosion of democratic values, accusing those who have benefited from democracy of actively contributing to its destruction through tactics of “coercion and gangsterism against the opposition.” Obi firmly declared, “We cannot allow this to continue. We will resist it.”

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar promptly welcomed Peter Obi’s official declaration into the African Democratic Congress. In a statement shared on his verified Facebook handle on the same Wednesday, Atiku described the development as a “significant moment in the history of political coalitions in Nigeria.” He conveyed optimism that Obi’s entry into the ADC would invigorate opposition politics and lay the essential groundwork for a government capable of delivering prosperity and enduring peace to all Nigerians.

Atiku expressed his pleasure in officially welcoming Obi, his “brother and associate,” into the party, anticipating a “robust working relationship” that would foster a “virile opposition.” He believes this strong opposition will effectively challenge the ruling party and present Nigerians with a credible and viable alternative government. Furthermore, Atiku referenced the symbolic launch of the “ADC Coalition train” from Enugu, the capital of the South-East region. He highlighted that the chosen location underscored the coalition’s expansive national outlook and its commitment to an inclusive agenda, hoping it would inspire other patriots to join the cause as the train heads in their direction.