Former Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has officially defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), urging Nigerians and opposition groups to unite under a broad national coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.
Obi announced his move on Wednesday during a New Year address at the Nike Lake Resort in Enugu. The former Anambra State governor said his decision was driven by patriotism and the need to rescue Nigeria from what he described as worsening poverty, division and democratic decline.
Calling on his political allies, the Obidient Movement and opposition leaders nationwide, Obi appealed for collective action under the ADC platform. He warned that history would judge those who remain silent in times of national crisis.
According to Obi, Nigeria has reached a critical moment and can no longer afford divisive politics. He accused the current leadership of state capture, economic mismanagement and the erosion of democratic values, stressing that the country’s challenges stem from leadership failure rather than lack of resources.
Obi described Nigeria as a nation in distress, citing widespread poverty, unemployment and insecurity. He argued that the country is “looted into poverty” and betrayed by a system that rewards mediocrity while recycling failure.
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He also accused the political elite of exploiting ethnic and religious divisions to retain power, warning that such practices undermine unity and inclusive development.
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Obi stressed the need for urgent electoral reforms and cautioned against any attempt to manipulate future polls. Drawing comparisons with countries such as Indonesia, he said Nigeria’s decline highlights the impact of poor leadership choices.
Obi further criticised the Federal Government’s tax reforms, describing them as anti-people and economically harmful, while warning that allegations of a forged tax law could erode public trust.
Positioning his defection as part of a wider strategy for 2027, Obi maintained that opposition unity is crucial to challenging what he described as a government sustained by division and propaganda.