Former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, has officially joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), declaring that “next year will begin a journey to rescue our country.”
Obi made the announcement on Wednesday in Enugu during a large political gathering, where he explained that he had been part of the ADC-led coalition from its early stages.
He was accompanied by several notable politicians, including Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, who revealed his resignation from APGA, as well as Victor Umeh and Tony Nwoye, both formerly of the Labour Party.
Also joining the ADC were former Labour Party members of the House of Representatives led by Hon. Victor Ogene, together with Hon. Peter Uzokwe of the Young Progressive Party (YPP), who represents Nnewi North/South/Ekwusigo Federal Constituency.
Other prominent figures who defected included former governors Achike Udenwa (Imo), Okwesilieze Nwodo (Enugu), Sam Egwu (Ebonyi), and former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Emeka Ihedioha. Senator Gilbert Nnaji and the sole remaining Labour Party member in the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Harrison Ogara, were also present.
Speaking at the event, Obi criticised what he described as the collapse of democratic values, alleging that those who had benefited from democracy were now undermining it.
“ADC will not allow democracy to be destroyed. We are committed to unity, security, and a better Nigeria. We will resist any plot to rig the 2027 elections,” he said.
He went on to fault the direction of the economy, noting that the nation’s GDP was declining even as public debt continued to rise.
“Our economy is not growing, yet we are borrowing endlessly. This does not reflect competent leadership,” he stated.
According to Obi, Nigeria’s problems can be addressed if leaders embrace unity, competence, commitment, compassion, and truthfulness.
“Nigeria is not a poor country. What we lack is competent and honest leadership. We can no longer accept leaders who tell lies while corruption stares us in the face,” Obi said.
He further observed that insecurity had worsened to an unprecedented level and urged citizens to unite and initiate necessary reforms.
“We have borrowed more than any previous government. Today, Nigeria is being called all kinds of names in the comity of nations because of bad leadership,” he added.
Obi explained that the coalition remained open to collaboration with other political parties, emphasising that its mission was not to destroy Nigeria but to rescue it.
“We are not a family of crime but a family of change,” he said.
In his remarks, ADC National Chairman, Senator David Mark, acknowledged the contribution of the Southeast to the economy and stressed that the region must not be neglected in national development.
Mark assured party members that integrity, transparency, and equal opportunity would remain guiding principles of the ADC, promising a level playing field for all aspirants.
The motion to formally admit Obi and other defectors into the party was moved by Chief Emeka Ihedioha and seconded by Prof. Osita Ogbu, former Economic Adviser to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo.
The gathering attracted several dignitaries, including Senator Waziri Tambuwal, Prof. Pat Utomi, Aisha Yesufu, Mrs Josephine Anenih, former ADC Chairman Okey Nwosu, and other party stakeholders.
