By Tony Okafor, Enugu
A major political realignment unfolded on Wednesday as former Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Mr. Peter Obi, along with prominent political leaders from both the Southern and Northern regions of the country, formally joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), signaling a renewed momentum for the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The declaration, made in Enugu, the Enugu State capital, followed months of consultations among opposition figures across the country.
The leaders said their decision to adopt the ADC platform was driven by a shared resolve to collaborate nationally to “rescue Nigeria from poor governance” under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The event attracted a heavy concentration of political heavyweights, underscoring the growing momentum around the ADC.
Among those present 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; as well as Chief Onyema Ugochukwu and several serving and former members of the National Assembly.
Also in attendance were national figures from outside the South-East, including former Senate President and National Chairman of the ADC, Senator David Mark; former Sokoto State Governor, Senator Aminu Tambuwal; former governors from the South-East and other party leaders and dignitaries from across the federation.
Addressing the gathering, Mr Obi described the defection to the ADC as the beginning of a collective journey to reclaim Nigeria and deepen democratic governance.
He noted the symbolism of the event coinciding with the last day of 2025, expressing optimism that the new year would mark a turning point for the country.
“Today is an important day. As we end 2025, we do so with the hope that in 2026 we will begin a journey to rescue our country for proper socio-economic development that will be unifying and inclusive,” Obi said.
He accused elements within the political establishment of undermining democracy through intimidation and coercion, warning that the opposition would not stand by while democratic norms were eroded.
“We have watched those who benefited from our democracy become accessories to destroying it through coercion and gangsterism against the opposition. We cannot allow this to continue, and we will resist it,” he declared.
The former Anambra State governor also issued a strong warning against electoral malpractice ahead of the 2027 polls, urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to strictly adhere to its constitutional responsibilities.
“Those planning to rig elections in 2027 should know that we will resist it by every lawful and legitimate means. This is why weak institutions must be strengthened, and INEC must act properly,” Obi said.
He further called for stricter adherence to eligibility requirements for elective offices, arguing that questions surrounding candidates’ educational qualifications should no longer arise in Nigeria’s electoral process.
Obi emphasised the need for unity among opposition parties, insisting that only competent and credible leadership could address the country’s deepening socio-economic challenges and national disunity.
He also criticised the Federal Government’s tax reform policies, describing them as hostile to ordinary Nigerians and harmful to economic growth.
The latest defection places Obi alongside other political heavyweights — including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai — who had earlier aligned with the ADC, setting the stage for an intensified political contest as opposition forces coalesce to challenge the APC in 2027.
