The Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Mr Peter Obi, on Wednesday formally declared for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), alongside several political leaders from the South-East geopolitical zone.
The declaration was made in Enugu, the Enugu State capital, following what the leaders described as months of extensive consultations and strategic engagements.
Speaking at the event, the leaders said their decision to join the ADC was driven by a collective resolve to work with opposition figures across the country to rescue Nigeria from what they termed poor governance under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Among those present were former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha; Senators Ben Obi, Victor Umeh, Tony Nwoye and Gilbert Nnaji; Chief Onyema Ugochukwu; Senator Enyinnya Abaribe; former Ebonyi State Governor, Senator Sam Egwu; as well as several serving and former senators and members of the House of Representatives.
Also in attendance were leaders of the ADC and other opposition figures from across the country, including former Senate President and National Chairman of the ADC, Senator David Mark; former Sokoto State Governor, Senator Aminu Tambuwal; former governors from the South-East; and other party chieftains.
In his address, Obi described the move to the ADC as the beginning of a renewed national struggle to rebuild the country and strengthen democracy.
“Today is significant. As we end the year 2025, we do so with hope that in 2026 we will begin a collective journey to rescue our country and reposition it for inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development,” he said.
Obi also accused those in power of undermining democratic values, alleging intimidation and coercion against the opposition.
“We have watched beneficiaries of our democracy turn into accessories in its destruction through coercion and gangsterism against the opposition. We cannot allow this to continue, and we will resist it,” he added.
The leaders pledged to mobilise support nationwide ahead of future political contests, promising to build a broad-based coalition focused on good governance, national unity and democratic accountability.
