THIS DAWN — Political leaders from across Nigeria’s political spectrum converged in Enugu on Tuesday as former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, formally reaffirmed his membership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and issued a strong call for national unity, democratic renewal, and collective action to rescue the country from deepening socio-economic hardship.
The historic gathering, held at Nike Lake Hotel, Enugu, drew a broad coalition of former governors, senators, legislators, youth and women leaders, as well as representatives of civil society and the Obidient Movement, signaling a major political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The event was anchored by Senator Victor Umeh, who explained the purpose and significance of the gathering, describing it as a deliberate step toward building a national coalition rooted in justice, equity, and credible leadership. Chief Simeon Okeke, who chaired the occasion, underscored Enugu’s historical role as the former capital of the old Eastern Region and urged Igbos to rise above divisions and carry forward a message of unity, progress, and national responsibility.
Addressing the audience, Peter Obi declared that Nigeria had reached a defining moment in its history that required clarity of purpose, courage, and decisive collective action. As 2025 draws to a close, he said the country must embark on what he described as a “new struggle for true independence,” founded on self-determination, human equality, and national reunification.
Obi sharply criticized what he termed a small political elite that has captured state institutions and diverted them from serving the Nigerian people. He lamented that many former beneficiaries of democratic governance had become complicit in electoral injustice and the steady erosion of democratic norms. He warned that any attempt to manipulate or rig future elections would be resisted through lawful and legitimate means, stressing that the will of the people remains sacrosanct and non-negotiable.
Calling for urgent electoral reforms, Obi emphasized the need to strengthen the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), enforce strict adherence to electoral laws, ensure transparent transmission of results, and guarantee credible elections in 2027 as essential steps toward restoring public trust and responsive governance.
Describing Nigeria as a nation in grave distress, Obi cited widespread poverty, youth unemployment, insecurity, and deepening disunity as evidence of systemic governance failure. He noted that over 130 million Nigerians live in multidimensional poverty, while millions of young people remain unemployed, fueling frustration and despair. Despite these realities, he expressed optimism that Nigeria could still be transformed into a functional, productive, and inclusive nation.
According to Obi, Nigeria’s core challenge is not a lack of human or natural resources but a failure of leadership and unity. He condemned a political class that thrives on division, rewards mediocrity, and feeds on corruption, while stressing that ordinary Nigerians are hardworking and capable but constrained by a system rigged against merit. Drawing comparisons with countries such as Rwanda and Indonesia, he argued that nations with fewer resources have achieved progress through honest leadership, national consensus, and effective management.
He also criticized current fiscal policies, particularly controversies surrounding tax reforms, warning that taxation should empower citizens rather than deepen poverty. “You cannot tax poverty and expect unity or prosperity,” he said.
The gathering witnessed strong declarations of support. High Chief Ben Obi said extensive consultations nationwide had revealed an urgent demand for credible leadership, describing the emerging coalition as a patriotic mission to rescue Nigeria. Senator Victor Umeh announced that Labour Party members, including Obi, had formally resigned to join the ADC. Emeka Ihedioha moved a motion urging all National Assembly members present to follow Obi into the ADC, a motion unanimously seconded by Prof. Osita Ogbu.
In a dramatic moment, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe announced his resignation from APGA and pledged loyalty to Obi, while Aisha Yusuf declared her intention to become a card-carrying ADC member, inspired by Obi’s leadership.
Former Senate President and ADC Chairman, Senator David Mark, reaffirmed the party’s founding principles of equality, justice, and progressivism, pledging internal democracy, job creation, and inclusive governance. The event concluded with speakers repeatedly affirming Obi as the rallying leader of a broad, youth-driven national movement poised to redefine Nigeria’s political future.
