Mr. Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, formally left his party at the end of 2025. He joined a coalition of opposition figures within the African Democratic Congress, with the stated aim of challenging President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress in the 2027 elections. He declared his
Mr. Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, formally left his party at the end of 2025. He joined a coalition of opposition figures within the African Democratic Congress, with the stated aim of challenging President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress in the 2027 elections.
He declared his membership in the ADC during a vibrant ceremony held in the historic city of Enugu, also known as the coal city, which once served as the political and administrative capital of the old Eastern Region. The event was attended by other distinguished individuals from the South East and various regions across Nigeria.
A few days ago, he held a live X programme with his supporters worldwide, during which he assured them of his intention to appear on the electoral ballot for the 2027 election. This suggests that he plans to participate in the ADC primaries, hoping to become the delegates’ preferred candidate.
Mr. Peter Obi was among the leaders who adopted the ADC as the opposition platform; however, it took him some time to formalise his affiliation with the party. He did not meet the stipulated deadlines for prospective members to register at their respective wards.
He titled his speech at the occasion “A Call for Unity and a New Nigeria.” In his speech, which he published on his X handle, Mr Peter Obi wrote,
“Today in Enugu, I was joined by distinguished leaders and associates, including former Governors Okwesili Nwodo of Enugu State, Achike Udenwa and Sam Egwu of Ebonyi State, as well as Emeka Ihedioha from Imo State. Notable senators present included Enyinnaya Abaribe, Victor Umeh, Tony Nwoye, and Gilbert Nnaji. Additionally, we had prominent political figures such as High Chief Ben Obi, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, Prof. Pat Utomi, Prof. Osita Ogbu, Chief Ralph Nwosu, and others, alongside various members of the Federal House of Representatives and State House of Assembly, as well as community leaders.
Peter Obi and other Leaders from the South East at the event
“This historic political gathering also featured distinguished individuals from outside the Igbo community, led by ADC National Chairman and former Senate President David Mark, as well as Rt. Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, the former Governor of Sokoto State, and former Governor of Edo State, Senator Oserheimen Osunbor.
“We came together to reaffirm the urgent need for leadership and a government that can truly appreciate Nigeria’s potential, unify our diversity, and drive rapid socio-economic transformation and inclusive development.
“In my speech, I emphasised that Nigeria’s challenges do not stem from a lack of potential. We are abundantly endowed with human and natural resources. Our tragedy arises from the deliberate sabotage by a political class that exploits the country and its people. We are not poor; we have been looted into poverty. The existing system rewards mediocrity, punishes merit, and recycles failure. Nigeria is suffocating under impunity and greed, with a government that rewards illegalities and corruption. What we need is genuine, patriotic change—not mere cosmetic makeovers.
“I made it clear that the time to act is now. The choice before us is between continuing the cycle of decay or embracing the courage to disrupt entrenched corruption and formalised criminality in governance. I have visited every corner of Nigeria, including internally displaced persons (IDP) camps neglected by the government. From North to South, East to West, Nigerians are feeling insecurity and despair. This cannot define our legacy. For the sake of the hungry, the poor, and future generations, we must dismantle the structures that are destroying our nation. A New Nigeria is possible.
“I reaffirmed that with unity and effective leadership, agriculture and manufacturing can become the highest contributors to our GDP. We can transition Nigeria from a state of consumption to one of production, tackling issues such as insecurity, corruption, unemployment, inflation, and illiteracy. A productive, inclusive Nigeria is achievable. To build lasting unity and prosperity, we need honest, transparent, and responsive leadership. Our generation is tasked with creating a new framework for unity and progress. Many nations have succeeded; Nigeria can excel even more.
“This is a time for unity and national renewal. I called on my leaders, associates, supporters, the Obidient Movement, and members of opposition parties across the country to join a broad coalition under the African Democratic Congress, led by Senator David Mark. This coalition is guided by patriotism and the national interest. Nigeria deserves leadership that unites, governs with empathy, and delivers real results. Let history record that Nigeria’s turning point begins here and now. Together, with courage, unity, and resolve, we can build a new, productive, and inclusive Nigeria.
“A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO”
