In a significant realignment within Nigeria’s political landscape, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, has formally registered as a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Speaking in Anambra State on Saturday, the former Governor of Anambra State characterised the upcoming 2027 general elections as a pivotal struggle between the Nigerian populace and the forces of poor governance.
Mr Obi’s transition to the ADC was marked by a ceremonial registration at Agulu Ward 2 in the Anaocha Local Government Area. He was joined by several high-profile political figures who also formalised their membership, including Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central, who registered at Aguluzigbo Ward 1, and former presidential aide Senator Ben Obi, who completed his registration in Agulu Awka.
Addressing party faithful in Awka, Mr Obi urged Nigerians to participate in the ADC’s ongoing online registration exercise to build a formidable grassroots movement.
“The election in 2027 will be Nigerians against bad leadership,” Mr Obi declared. “I assure you, the election of 2027 will be Nigerians fighting for justice.”
The presidential hopeful addressed the geopolitical discourse surrounding the presidency, asserting that the South-East zone remains a core pillar of the Nigerian federation. He argued that the region’s deep-rooted investments across all corners of the country demonstrate a commitment to national unity that justifies its aspiration to lead.
“No other zone can claim to be more Nigerian than the South-East,” he remarked. “Everywhere you go in Nigeria, you see someone from the South-East who has built a house and is living there… We in the South-East are saying we want a new Nigeria; a Nigeria where a child of nobody can succeed without knowing anybody.”
Linking the nation’s security challenges to its economic state, Mr Obi emphasised that the most effective way to combat criminality is to aggressively reduce the poverty rate. He maintained that a prosperous citizenry is less likely to be recruited into illicit activities.
His policy vision for the upcoming cycle focuses on three primary pillars:
Poverty Alleviation: A strategic “lifting” of citizens out of destitution to stabilise the social fabric of the nation.
National Security: Addressing the root causes of insecurity through economic empowerment rather than relying solely on kinetic military force.
Meritocracy: Creating a transparent system where personal success is determined by effort and talent rather than political connections or “knowing anybody.”
The event concluded with a charge to party members to embark on a massive recruitment drive across their respective wards. Mr Obi urged the “fishers of men” to mobilise Nigerians immediately, signalling an early and intensive campaign towards the 2027 polls.
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