THIS DAWN — The South East Patriots (SEP) has congratulated former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on his decision to formally register as a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The group described the move as “bold, timely, and crucial for rescuing Nigeria’s democracy.”
In a statement signed by its Director General, Obunike C. Ohaegbu, SEP lauded Atiku’s defection to the ADC at his ward in Adamawa State.
SEP said it represents a fresh commitment to rebuilding Nigeria’s opposition space for effective engagement, strategic coordination, and collective action.
According to the group, Atiku’s action should serve as a wake-up call to all opposition actors—particularly Mr. Peter Obi.
It urged them to urgently embrace a unified political platform capable of challenging the Asiwaju Bola Tinubu–led APC administration in 2027.
“Nigeria can no longer afford disjointed political posturing, ego-driven fragmentation, or prolonged hesitation.
“Time is far spent. The priority should now shift to electoral reforms, coalition-building, and structured national mobilisation,” SEP warned.
Return to the Nike Lake Agreement of 2018
SEP restated its unwavering belief in the Nike Lake Agreement of 2018, endorsed by respected Igbo leaders and anchored by the late legal luminary, Prof. Ben Nwabueze, SAN.
It noted that it remains the most strategic and historically grounded roadmap for defeating the APC in 2027.
The group highlighted key commitments contained in the agreement as vital elements of a credible national alliance.
These include:
- reopening Eastern ports,
- dredging the River Niger,
- completing the Port Harcourt–Maiduguri rail line, and,
- ensuring balanced national development.
“Anything short of restoring the spirit and structure of the Atiku/Obi 2019 partnership is a guaranteed recipe for electoral failure,” the statement noted.
A Firm Warning to the Opposition
SEP issued a clear and uncompromising position: unless Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi urgently revive the Nike Lake Agreement and consolidate their political forces, the opposition cannot be considered serious about winning the 2027 elections.
“Elections are not theatres for emotional experimentation,” the group cautioned.
“Candidates enter races to win, and victory demands unity, discipline, sacrifice, and coherent strategy,” it added.
The Patriots warned that if opposition fragmentation continues, if the Nike Lake framework is abandoned, and if leading figures fail to realign, the 2027 election will mirror—if not worsen—the disappointment of 2023.
SEP therefore called on Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, ADC leadership, pro-democracy forces, civil society groups, and all Nigerians yearning for national rescue to act decisively and patriotically at this defining moment.
“History will not forgive any leader who allows ego or indecision to endanger Nigeria’s democratic future,” the group concluded.
