Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called for national unity and a comprehensive restructuring of Nigeria’s leadership framework, as he aligned with a broad political coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Obi made the call on Tuesday in Enugu during a high level political meeting attended by prominent leaders and stakeholders from across the country. The gathering brought together former Governors Okwesili Nwodo (Enugu), Achike Udenwa (Imo), Sam Egwu (Ebonyi), and former Imo State Deputy Governor Emeka Ihedioha.
Also present were serving and former senators including Enyinnaya Abaribe, Victor Umeh, Tony Nwoye, and Gilbert Nnaji, alongside notable political figures such as High Chief Ben Obi, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, Prof. Pat Utomi, Prof. Osita Ogbu, Chief Ralph Nwosu, members of the House of Representatives, State Houses of Assembly, and community leaders.
In a display of cross regional political engagement, the meeting featured key leaders from outside the South-East, led by ADC National Chairman and former Senate President, David Mark. Other notable attendees included Rt. Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, former Governor of Sokoto State, and former Edo State Governor, Senator Oserheimen Osunbor.
Speaking at the event, Obi said Nigeria’s ongoing socio economic challenges are not due to a lack of resources but the result of poor leadership and systemic failures within the political class.
“Nigeria is not poor; we have been looted into poverty. Our tragedy lies in a system that rewards mediocrity, punishes merit, and recycles failure,” Obi said.
He criticized what he described as a governance structure driven by corruption, impunity, and greed, stressing that superficial reforms would not rescue the country from its current decline.
Obi noted that his extensive travels across the country, including visits to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, revealed widespread hardship cutting across all regions.
“From North to South, East to West, Nigerians are suffering from insecurity, hunger, and despair. This cannot be the legacy we leave behind,” he stated.
The former governor expressed confidence that with credible and transparent leadership, agriculture and manufacturing could become Nigeria’s strongest contributors to Gross Domestic Product (GDP), helping to transition the country from consumption to production.
He further called on political leaders, members of the Obidient Movement, supporters, and opposition parties to unite under an ADC led coalition, describing the move as a patriotic effort driven by national interest rather than personal ambition.
According to Obi, Nigeria urgently needs leadership that governs with empathy, accountability, and competence, adding that the current generation bears the responsibility of redefining the country’s future.
“Many nations have succeeded through unity and purposeful leadership. Nigeria can do even better. A New Nigeria is possible,” he concluded.
As of the time of filing this report, Peter Obi has not formally announced his resignation from the Labour Party but has publicly endorsed and aligned with a broad coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
