Nigeria’s opposition politics received a significant boost on Wednesday as former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, formally joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a move welcomed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as a turning point in efforts to build a formidable coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Atiku described Obi’s defection as a historic moment for opposition collaboration, expressing optimism that the emerging alliance could evolve into a viable alternative government.
“Today marks a significant moment in the history of political coalitions in our country, with the official declaration of my brother and associate, @PeterObi, into the African Democratic Congress (ADC),” Atiku said in a statement.
“It is my pleasure to welcome him officially, as we look forward to a robust working relationship that will foster a virile opposition, one that will ultimately form a government capable of bringing prosperity and peace to our people,” he added.
Atiku further expressed hope that Obi’s entry into the ADC would inspire other Nigerians to join the coalition, describing the party’s expansion from Enugu as a symbolic start to a nationwide movement.
“I hope this inspires other patriots to join the cause, with the train headed in their direction,” he said.
Earlier, speaking at the Nike Lake Resort in Enugu, Obi framed his defection as a strategic decision rooted in patriotism and national interest, calling on opposition leaders and members of the Obidient Movement to rally under the ADC platform.
“This decision is guided solely by patriotism and national interest,” Obi said. “I respectfully call on my political associates, the Obidient Movement and opposition leaders across the country to join this broad national coalition under the African Democratic Congress. History will not forgive silence in moments of national peril.”
The former Anambra State governor warned that Nigeria was facing a deepening crisis, which he attributed to elite misgovernance and systemic failure.
“As a nation, we are not poor; we are looted into poverty. Nigeria is not broken; Nigeria is severely betrayed,” Obi said, adding that the political system rewards “mediocrity and recycled failure” at the expense of competence.
He accused the political elite of exploiting ethnic and religious divisions to remain in power, arguing that such tactics have undermined unity and inclusive development.
“Their expertise lies in creating more divisions to sustain themselves in office, with little or no interest in unity or inclusive development,” he said.
Obi cited official figures showing that over 130 million Nigerians live in multidimensional poverty, while more than 80 million youths remain unemployed, describing the situation as “persistent agony” for citizens.
“This is not the destiny God bequeathed to over 220 million Nigerians,” he said.
He also raised concerns over the integrity of future elections, insisting that electoral reforms were “non-negotiable” and warning against attempts to manipulate the 2027 polls.
Comparing Nigeria with Indonesia, Obi lamented what he described as decades of missed economic opportunities.
“Indonesia and Nigeria started with similar characteristics, but while Indonesia is now a trillion-dollar economy, Nigeria is grappling with deindustrialisation, corruption and deepening poverty,” he said.
The former presidential candidate criticised recent tax reforms by the Federal Government, describing them as “anti-people and economically counterproductive”, and warned that allegations of a forged tax law set “a dangerous precedent”.
“A tax regime founded on forgery cannot build trust, unity or prosperity,” he said.
“As the year 2025 ends today, we stand on the threshold of a new beginning,” Obi added. “Moments of profound national challenge demand clarity of purpose and decisive action. That moment is now.”
ADC Gains Momentum as Obi Defects, Atiku Hails Opposition Realignment
