Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has shed more light on his decision to dump the party for the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Naijaonpoint recalls that Obi, on Wednesday in Enugu State, officially defected to the ADC.
Speaking via a statement released on his 𝕏 account after defection, the former Anambra State Governor stressed that it is a time to unite and save Nigeria from oppressors.
According to Obi, Nigeria has great potential, but has been shortchanged by ineffective leadership and deliberate political sabotage. He therefore submitted that the time has come to install genuine leaders who can turn the tide around for good.
While explaining that his defection is in the national interest, Peter Obi called on all his supporters, including the Obidient movement and members of opposition parties across the country, to work with the ADC under the leadership of David Mark to build a better Nigeria.
He stressed that the time to act and save Nigerians including the unborn generation from a cycle of poor governance is now.
He wrote: “Today in Enugu, I was joined by distinguished leaders and associates, including former Governors Okwesili Nwodo of Enugu State, Achike Udenwa and Sam Egwu of Ebonyi State, as well as Emeka Ihedioha from Imo State. Notable senators present included Enyinnaya Abaribe, Victor Umeh, Tony Nwoye, and Gilbert Nnaji. Additionally, we had prominent political figures such as High Chief Ben Obi, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, Prof. Pat Utomi, Prof. Osita Ogbu, Chief Ralph Nwosu, and others, alongside various members of the Federal House of Representatives and State House of Assembly, as well as community leaders.
“This historic political gathering also featured distinguished individuals from outside the Igbo community, led by ADC National Chairman and former Senate President David Mark, as well as Rt. Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, the former Governor of Sokoto State, and former Governor of Edo State, Senator Oserheimen Osunbor.
“We came together to reaffirm the urgent need for leadership and a government that can truly appreciate Nigeria’s potential, unify our diversity, and drive rapid socio-economic transformation and inclusive development.
“In my speech, I emphasized that Nigeria’s challenges do not stem from a lack of potential. We are abundantly endowed with human and natural resources. Our tragedy arises from the deliberate sabotage by a political class that exploits the country and its people. We are not poor; we have been looted into poverty. The existing system rewards mediocrity, punishes merit, and recycles failure. Nigeria is suffocating under impunity and greed, with a government that rewards illegalities and corruption. What we need is genuine, patriotic change—not mere cosmetic makeovers.
“I made it clear that the time to act is now. The choice before us is between continuing the cycle of decay or embracing the courage to disrupt entrenched corruption and formalized criminality in governance. I have visited every corner of Nigeria, including internally displaced persons (IDP) camps neglected by the government. From North to South, East to West, Nigerians are feeling insecurity and despair. This cannot define our legacy. For the sake of the hungry, the poor, and future generations, we must dismantle the structures that are destroying our nation. A New Nigeria is possible.
“I reaffirmed that with unity and effective leadership, agriculture and manufacturing can become the highest contributors to our GDP. We can transition Nigeria from a state of consumption to one of production, tackling issues such as insecurity, corruption, unemployment, inflation, and illiteracy. A productive, inclusive Nigeria is achievable. To build lasting unity and prosperity, we need honest, transparent, and responsive leadership. Our generation is tasked with creating a new framework for unity and progress. Many nations have succeeded; Nigeria can excel even more.
“This is a time for unity and national renewal. I called on my leaders, associates, supporters, the Obidient Movement, and members of opposition parties across the country to join a broad coalition under the African Democratic Congress, led by Senator David Mark. This coalition is guided by patriotism and the national interest. Nigeria deserves leadership that unites, governs with empathy, and delivers real results. Let history record that Nigeria’s turning point begins here and now. Together, with courage, unity, and resolve, we can build a new, productive, and inclusive Nigeria.
“A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO”