…Nigeria is being looted into poverty – Obi alleges 

…as Atiku says Obi’s entry marks turning point in building strong opposition

By Sodiq Adelakun

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has formally welcomed former Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Mr Peter Obi; Abia South Senator, Eyinnaya Abaribe; former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar; and other opposition leaders, as efforts to forge a broad-based coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections gather momentum.

In a statement posted on its verified X (formerly Twitter) handle on Wednesday, the ADC expressed delight over Obi’s defection, describing it as a major milestone for the party and Nigeria’s opposition politics.

“We are delighted to officially welcome the former two-term Governor of Anambra State and Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 General Election, Mr Peter Obi, into our party, the ADC, Mr Obi has the same rights and responsibilities as every other member of the party,”the party said.

Obi formally announced his defection in Enugu, alongside other South-East political leaders, explaining that his move was guided solely by patriotism and national interest. 

Speaking at the event, the former Anambra State governor warned that Nigeria was facing an existential crisis caused by corruption, bad governance and systemic failure.

“As a nation, we are not poor; we are looted into poverty. Nigeria is not broken; Nigeria is severely betrayed. The average Nigerian is not lazy or incompetent, but the system is rigged to reward mediocrity and recycle failure.”

He accused the political elite of exploiting ethnic and religious divisions to remain in power, noting that such practices had stalled national unity and inclusive development. 

Obi described Nigeria as a country in “deep distress,” citing statistics of over 130 million Nigerians living in multidimensional poverty and more than 80 million unemployed youths.

“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,” he said.

Obi also raised concerns about the credibility of future elections, insisting that reforms to the electoral system are “non-negotiable.” 

He warned that the opposition under the ADC would lawfully and legitimately resist any attempt to rig the 2027 general elections.

Obi said: “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.”

Meanwhile, Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe also announced his resignation from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to fully align with the ADC. Abaribe, who joined APGA in 2023 to contest the Abia South senatorial seat, described Obi as his political leader and pledged his total commitment to the ADC project.

“Let me also announce that I have resigned from the All-Progressive Grand Alliance. So, as of now, I am fully in ADC. Following my brother and our leader, Mr Peter Obi, I wish all of us well, and I know that we’re going to get there.”Abaribe declared. 

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also welcomed Obi’s entry into the ADC, describing it as a defining moment in the history of political coalitions in Nigeria. 

In a statement shared on his official social media platforms, Atiku said Obi’s defection signalled the emergence of a serious and credible opposition.

“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,” Atiku said.

He added that the formal take-off of the ADC coalition in Enugu should serve as an inspiration to other like-minded Nigerians across the country.

“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,” he stated.