Atiku welcomes Peter Obi’s defection to ADC, says move strengthens opposition

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has welcomed the official defection of Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing it as a significant development in Nigeria’s political landscape.

Obi, along with other political leaders from the South-East, formally declared for the ADC on Wednesday in Enugu, the capital of Enugu State. The move followed months of consultations aimed at fostering collaboration with opposition leaders across the country to “rescue Nigeria from the poor governance of the All Progressives Congress (APC).”

In a Twitter post, Atiku referred to Obi as his “brother and associate” and expressed optimism that their partnership would strengthen the opposition and help form a government capable of delivering prosperity and peace to Nigerians.

“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),” Atiku wrote.

“It is my pleasure to welcome him officially, as we look forward to a robust working relationship that will foster a virile opposition… As the ADC Coalition train leaves Enugu, I hope this inspires other patriots to join the cause,” he added.

Obi, who resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on May 25, 2022, and joined the Labour Party two days later, described the move to the ADC as the start of a journey to rescue Nigeria and promote inclusive socio-economic development.

“Today is an important day; today is the last day of 2025, so we are ending this year with the hope that, in 2026, we will begin a journey of the rescue of our country for proper socio-economic development that will be unifying and inclusive,” Obi said.

The declaration was attended by prominent political figures, including former Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha, Senators Ben Obi, Victor Umeh, Tony Nwoye, and Gilbert Nnaji, former Senate President and ADC National Chairman David Mark, former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, and several former governors, senators, and House members.