The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, has formally defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
He said that his choice to leave the Labour Party was only motivated by national interest and patriotism.
He called on opposition leaders nationwide, members of the Obidient Movement, and his political associates to unite behind the ADC agenda.
During a political event at the Nike Lake Resort on Wednesday, he announced his defection and urged Nigerians and opposition leaders to form a broad national coalition with the goal of “rescuing Nigeria from poverty, disunity, and democratic decline.”
“This decision is guided solely by patriotism and national interest. I respectfully call on my political associates, the Obidient Movement, and opposition leaders nationwide to join this broad national coalition under the African Democratic Congress. History will not forgive silence in moments of national peril,” Obi said.
Obi cautioned that Nigeria had reached a crucial turning point and could no longer afford politics based on divisiveness and self-interest, framing his defection as part of a larger national mission.
“As the year 2025 ends today, we stand on the threshold of a new beginning. For Nigeria, moments of profound national challenge demand clarity of purpose and decisive action. That moment is now,” he added.
The former governor cited growing unemployment, poverty, and insecurity as the main issues, characterising Nigeria as a country in severe distress.
“With over 130 million Nigerians living in multidimensional poverty and more than 80 million youths unemployed, our people are in persistent agony. This is not the destiny God bequeathed to over 220 million Nigerians,” Obi stated.
Nigeria’s opposition politics have undergone a dramatic change after Peter Obi defected to the ADC. The ongoing political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections is anticipated to gain new impetus from his demand for unity and national salvation.
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