Dare Babalola
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has officially welcomed former Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, into the African Democratic Congress (ADC), marking a significant development in Nigeria’s opposition politics.
In a statement he posted via X on Wednesday, Atiku expressed optimism about the partnership, saying it will strengthen the opposition and pave the way for a government that delivers prosperity and peace.
“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).
“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. And as the @ADCNig Coalition train leaves Enugu, the capital of the Southeast region, I hope this inspires other patriots to join the cause with the train headed in their direction,” Atiku wrote.
Obi, who is also a former Governor of Anambra State, joined the coalition-backed ADC on Wednesday at the Nike Lake Resort, Enugu.
He accused the current political leadership of state capture, economic mismanagement and systematic erosion of democratic values.
“This decision is guided solely by patriotism and national interest. I now 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,” he said.
Presenting his defection as part of a larger national mission, Obi said Nigeria had reached a critical turning point and could no longer afford politics of division.
“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 said.
He described Nigeria as a nation in deep distress, citing widespread poverty, unemployment and insecurity, saying, “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.
“Nigeria is looted into poverty.”
