Atiku hails Obi’s entry into ADC as ‘historic moment,’ urges patriots to join coalition

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has described the formal entry of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, into the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a “significant moment” in Nigeria’s political history, expressing hope that the move would galvanise other patriots to rally behind a broad opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.

In a statement welcoming Obi to the party on Wednesday, Atiku said the development marked an important milestone in the evolution of political coalitions in the country and signalled renewed momentum for building a credible alternative to the ruling establishment.

“Today marks a significant moment in the history of political coalitions in our country, with the official declaration of my brother and associate, Peter Obi, into the African Democratic Congress,” Atiku said.

“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.”

Using a symbolic metaphor, the former vice president added: “As the ADC coalition train leaves Enugu, the capital of the South-East region, I hope this inspires other patriots to join the cause with the train headed in their direction.”

Atiku’s remarks came as Obi formally announced his decision to join the ADC at a landmark political gathering held at Nike Lake Hotel, Enugu, a development widely seen as a major boost to ongoing efforts to forge a national opposition coalition.

The event attracted a wide spectrum of political heavyweights, former governors, legislators, youth and women leaders, underscoring the growing momentum behind the ADC-led alliance. It was chaired by Chief Simeon Okeke and anchored by Senator Victor Umeh, who highlighted Enugu’s historical role as the former capital of the Eastern Region.

Addressing the gathering, Obi said Nigeria was at a critical crossroads that demanded clarity, courage and decisive leadership. He accused a small political elite of capturing state institutions, diverting public resources and perpetuating electoral injustice, warning that any attempt to rig the 2027 general elections would be resisted through lawful and democratic means.

According to him, the credibility of future elections would depend on urgent reforms, including the strengthening of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), strict enforcement of electoral laws and transparent transmission of results.

“Restoring public trust in governance and democracy hinges on credible elections,” Obi said, adding that Nigeria could not continue on its current path of democratic erosion and economic decline.

He painted a grim picture of the country’s socio-economic challenges, citing widespread poverty, rising youth unemployment, insecurity and deepening national disunity. Obi noted that more than 130 million Nigerians were living in multidimensional poverty, but maintained that the country’s predicament was not due to a lack of resources.

“Our problem is poor leadership and disunity, not scarcity,” he said, pointing to countries such as Rwanda and Indonesia as examples of nations that had made progress through honest leadership and prudent management of resources.

Obi also took aim at recent fiscal policies, particularly controversial tax laws, arguing that “taxing poverty undermines national unity and fails to create wealth for the people.”

The Enugu gathering saw a wave of public declarations of support for Obi and the ADC. Chief Ben Obi said nationwide consultations had reinforced the need for credible leadership, describing the emerging coalition and the push for a stronger Igbo political bloc as a patriotic duty rather than a sectional agenda.

Senator Victor Umeh announced that all Labour Party members present, including Obi, had resigned from the party to join the ADC. Former Imo State governor, Emeka Ihedioha, called on National Assembly members at the event to follow suit, a motion seconded by Prof. Osita Ogbu.

In a further boost to the coalition, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe announced his resignation from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), pledging loyalty to Obi, while Aisha Yusuf also declared her intention to join the ADC.

Chief Onyema Ugochukwu expressed optimism that Obi would emerge as the ADC’s presidential candidate, saying it was time for a generational shift in leadership. Youth leader Chinonso Obasi and women’s representative Josephine Anenih highlighted Obi’s cross-generational appeal and ability to mobilise broad-based support.

Former Senate President David Mark and other ADC leaders reaffirmed the party’s commitment to equality, justice and progressivism, pledging to uphold internal democracy, respect party members, create jobs and deliver productive governance if given the mandate.

The large turnout at the event, with supporters spilling outside the main hall, reflected what organisers described as a growing national consensus around Obi’s leadership and the ADC-led movement for democratic renewal.

Prominent figures in attendance included former Senate President David Mark; Chief Simeon Okeke; former governors Achike Udenwa and Sam Egwu; Senators Aminu Tambuwal, Victor Umeh and Enyinnaya Abaribe; Emeka Ihedioha; Prof. Osita Ogbu; Prof. Pat Utomi; and representatives of the Obidient Movement led by Dr Yunusa Tanko.