David Mark, Tambuwal, other heavyweights join Peter Obi as he declares for ADC, calls for unity ahead of 2027

Peter Obi, former Labour Party presidential candidate, on Wednesday, formally joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), reaffirming his commitment to a national coalition aimed at rescuing Nigeria from deepening socio-economic hardship and democratic decline. 

Speaking at a historic gathering held at Nike Lake Hotel, Enugu, Obi urged Nigerians to rise above political, ethnic, and religious divisions to reclaim the country’s future. The event drew a wide array of prominent leaders, former governors, legislators, youth, and women’s representatives.

Senator Victor Umeh anchored the proceedings, articulating the purpose and significance of the gathering, while Chief Simeon Okeke, serving as chairman, highlighted Enugu’s historical importance as the capital of the former Eastern Region. Chief Okeke called on Igbos to carry forward the message of unity, progress, and national renewal.

Addressing the audience, Obi described Nigeria as being at a critical crossroads requiring clarity of purpose, courage, and decisive collective action. As the year 2025 comes to a close, he stressed that the country must embark on a renewed struggle for genuine independence rooted in self-determination, human equality, and national cohesion. He sharply criticised a small political elite for capturing state institutions and diverting them from serving the Nigerian people, warning that many former beneficiaries of democratic governance had become complicit in electoral manipulation and the erosion of democratic norms.

Obi pledged that any attempts to rig or manipulate the 2027 elections would be resisted through lawful and legitimate means, asserting that the will of the Nigerian people is sacrosanct. He also called for urgent reforms to the electoral process, including strengthening the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), ensuring strict adherence to electoral laws, and guaranteeing transparency in the transmission of results. These, he argued, are critical steps toward restoring public trust and responsive governance.

Painting a grim picture of the nation, Obi cited widespread poverty, mass youth unemployment, insecurity, and deepening disunity as indicators of governance failure. He revealed that over 130 million Nigerians live in multidimensional poverty, while millions of young people remain unemployed, fuelling frustration and despair. Yet, he remained optimistic, asserting that Nigeria could still be transformed into a functional, productive, and inclusive nation.

Obi argued that Nigeria’s fundamental challenge is not a lack of resources but a failure of leadership and unity. He condemned a political class that thrives on division, rewards mediocrity, and feeds on corruption, stressing that ordinary Nigerians are neither lazy nor incompetent but constrained by a system rigged against merit and hard work. Drawing comparisons with Rwanda and Indonesia, he highlighted how nations with far fewer resources achieved remarkable progress through honest leadership, national consensus, and efficient resource management.

He also criticised current fiscal policies, particularly controversies surrounding tax laws, noting that taxation should serve to empower citizens rather than exacerbate poverty. “Taxing poverty undermines national unity and fails to create wealth for the people,” he warned.

The gathering showcased strong political support for Obi. Chief Ben Obi highlighted consultations across the country that revealed an urgent need for credible leadership, framing the formation of a new Igbo political block as a patriotic mission to rescue the nation from callous leaders.

Senator Victor Umeh announced that all Labour Party members, including Obi, had formally resigned to join the ADC. Emeka Ihedioha moved a motion for all National Assembly members present to follow Obi into the party, which was unanimously seconded by Prof. Osita Ogbu. Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe announced his resignation from APGA on the spot, pledging loyalty to Obi, while Aisha Yusuf declared her intention to join the ADC inspired by Obi’s leadership.

Chief Onyema Ugochukwu voiced his desire to see Obi become the ADC’s presidential candidate, remarking: “I am one of the old men who feel it is time to give room to younger people.” Youth leader Chinonso Obasi added, “With the youth actively involved, this movement will be driven by young Nigerians.” Representing women, Josephine Anenih emphasised that leadership positions at Aso Rock were soon to open and argued that Obi was best positioned to occupy them.

Former Senate President David Mark, along with ADC Chairman, praised the party’s founding principles of equality, justice, and progressiveness, commending the South-East’s support and pledging that the party would uphold internal democracy, respect members, create jobs, and deliver productive and inclusive leadership.

The event signalled a decisive step toward national unity and transformation, with speakers across the board referring to Obi as their leader. Former governors, legislators, and community leaders publicly pledged support, highlighting a unified front committed to rescuing Nigeria from ineffective governance and promoting credible, youth-driven leadership.

Notable attendees included former Senate President David Mark; Chief Simeon Okeke; Peter Obi; former governors Achike Udenwa and Sam Egwu; Okwesilieze Nwodo; Senator Aminu Tambuwal; High Chief Ben Obi; Emeka Ihedioha; Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe; Professor Oserheimen Osunbor; Sen. Victor Umeh; Chief Ralph Nwosu; Dr. Josephine Anenih; Sen. Tony Nwoye; Hon. Afam Ogene; Sen. Gilbert Nnaji; Chief Onyema Ugochukwu; Hon. Idu Emeka; Hon. Peter Aniekwe; Hon. Oby Orogbu; Hon. Nonso Smart; Barrister Chinedu Idigo; Prof Chinyere Stella Okunna; Chief Fidel Okafor; Hon. Barr. Joe-Martins Uzodike; Prof. Patrick Obi; Hon. Onyeanwuna Ezeani; Prof. Pat Utomi; and representatives of the Obidient Movement led by Dr. Yunusa Tanko, among many others who spilled outside the hall. Their presence underscored the broad-based coalition and growing national consensus around Obi’s leadership and the ADC’s movement for democratic renewal.