In a significant political realignment, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has officially joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC). He used the occasion to deliver a scathing critique of Nigeria's leadership, declaring that the nation is being systematically 'looted into poverty'.
A Defection Framed as National Mission
The announcement was made on Wednesday, 31 December 2025, at the Nike Lake Resort in Enugu. Obi, who served as Governor of Anambra State, framed his move not merely as a party switch but as a strategic step towards a broader national coalition. He urgently called on all opposition groups to unite ahead of the crucial 2027 general elections.
"As a nation, we are not poor; we are looted into poverty," Obi stated emphatically. "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."
Confronting the Data of National Distress
Obi painted a grim picture of the country's current state, describing Nigeria as a nation in 'deep distress'. He backed his claims with alarming statistics, pointing out that over 130 million Nigerians live in multidimensional poverty. Furthermore, he highlighted the crisis of youth unemployment, citing a figure of more than 80 million unemployed youths.
"Our people are in persistent agony," he said. "This is not the destiny God bequeathed to over 220 million Nigerians." He accused the political elite of exploiting ethnic and religious divisions to cling to power, with little genuine interest in fostering unity or driving inclusive development.
Electoral Integrity and Economic Comparisons
The former presidential candidate also turned his attention to the electoral process, insisting that comprehensive reforms were 'non-negotiable'. He issued a stern warning against any attempts to rig the upcoming 2027 polls.
Drawing an unfavorable comparison, Obi noted that Indonesia and Nigeria began with similar economic profiles. "While Indonesia is now a trillion-dollar economy," he observed, "Nigeria is grappling with deindustrialisation, corruption and deepening poverty."
He also criticised recent government policies, specifically describing new tax reforms as 'anti-people and economically counterproductive'. He raised serious concerns over reports of a forged tax law, warning that such an act sets a dangerous precedent for governance. "A tax regime founded on forgery cannot build trust, unity or prosperity," he concluded.
A Call for Coalition and Atiku's Endorsement
Obi positioned his defection as a patriotic act aimed at salvaging the nation. "This decision is guided solely by patriotism and national interest," he declared. He extended an open invitation to his political associates, the Obidient Movement, and opposition leaders nationwide to join the broad national coalition under the African Democratic Congress.
"History will not forgive silence in moments of national peril," Obi warned, adding, "As the year 2025 ends today, we stand on the threshold of a new beginning... That moment is now."
In a swift and notable reaction, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar welcomed Obi's move. Atiku described the defection as a pivotal moment for opposition politics in Nigeria. He expressed hope for a robust working relationship that would foster a strong opposition capable of forming a future government dedicated to bringing prosperity and peace to the people.
