Peter Obi, Najaatu Mohammed speak on joining ADC as Atiku hails former running mate

*A call for unity and a new Nigeria – Obi

*Why I left APC – Mohammed 

*Welcome to our great party – El-Rufai to Obi

By SUMAYYAH ADEFAKA

President Tinubu also did not win other electoral victory deciding states mainly Lagos and Kano during the exercise that election monitors described as most flawed election characterised by high level of violence, rigging, vote buying, manipulated figures and other acts of electoral malpractices.

Forne Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who is also a Frontline figure in the Nigeria’s opposition coalition’s African Democratic Congress (ADC), has hailed the defection of Mr. Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP), to the ADC.

The DEFENDER reports that Obi was Atiku’s running when he stood as Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate during the 2019 general elections. They were both declared as second and third as PDP and LP presidential candidates, respectively, in the view of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the 2023 general elections that Bola Tinubu was declared winner of, without the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

President Tinubu also did not win other electoral victory deciding states mainly Lagos and Kano during the exercise that election monitors described as most flawed election characterised by high level of violence, rigging, vote buying, manipulated figures and other acts of electoral malpractices.

Analysts agreed that should Atiku and Obi not go their separate parts in the 2023 presidential poll, what Tinubu had that was later considered by the courts would not have earned him a victory. The Supreme Court eventually declared him winner of the election leaving the opposition to themselves hence the alignments and realignments leading to the opposition coalition’s that later settled for the ADC as a formidable platform.

Peter Obi’s eventual defection from Labour Party (LP) to ADC in Enugu, Enugu State on Wednesday December 31, 2025 has been described as significant to the growth and development of opposition.

In his reaction, Atiku Abubakar said, “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 (ADC).

“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. And as the ADC Coalition train leaves Enugu, the capital of the Southeast region, I hope this inspires other patriots to join the cause with the train headed in their direction.”

Obi

In his remarks titled, “A call for unity and a new Nigeria”, Peter Obi, who is former Governor of Anambra State, described the occasion where his decision to change his party for ADC as one that enabled him come together with other well meaning opposition figures to reaffirm the urgent need for good leadership and government towards true appreciation of Nigeria’s potentiality, and unity of diversity, for rapid socio-economic transformation and inclusive development of the country.

According to him, “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,” Obi said, ending his statement posted on Facebook with a post saying, “A New Nigeria is POssible.”

Najaatu Mohammed

Another defector to ADC, Hajia Najaatu Mohammed, has given reason for her leaving the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying she left because of President Bola Tinubu’s lack of performance.

“I left APC because Tinubu is incapable. Everything about Tinubu is about himself. When he wanted to contest, he said it was his turn. It’s not about the country, it’s about him, his ego, his material control & the psychological control of the people of this country.

“Tinubu told me when i asked about his programs for Nigeria during 2023 election, he told me he didn’t have any plan for Nigeria, especially for security that he might be stepping on many toes if he did: “I don’t have a blueprint, if I have a blueprint I might be k!lled, because I will be stepping on many toes.”

Welcome to our great party – El-Rufai to Obi

In the meantime, former Kaduna State Governor and leading figure in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has described the defection of former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, to the ADC as a significant boost to Nigeria’s opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

El-Rufai, ADC ‘s frontman, formally welcomed Obi to the party following his declaration at an event held at the Nike Lake Resort in Enugu State. At the gathering, Obi called on Nigerians and opposition stakeholders to unite under a broad coalition to “rescue Nigeria from poverty, disunity and democratic decline.”

Reacting to the development, El-Rufai said Obi’s decision marked a historic moment for opposition politics in the country, noting that it signaled the emergence of a more coordinated and credible alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

He expressed confidence that Obi’s entry into the ADC would deepen collaboration among opposition leaders and reinvigorate the push for good governance.

Political analysts say the defection comes amid sustained efforts by opposition figures to consolidate forces and present a united front ahead of the 2027 elections.

The ADC, which has recently been repositioned as a platform for a broad opposition coalition, has intensified efforts to strengthen its structures nationwide, including the conduct of congresses in preparation for the next electoral cycle.

El-Rufai, who has been at the forefront of efforts to build the ADC as a coalition hub, stressed that unity among opposition parties is essential to offering Nigerians a viable alternative and ensuring a competitive and inclusive democratic process in 2027.