Peter Obi on Wednesday formally announced his move from the Labour Party to the African Democratic Congress during a major political gathering in Enugu, framing the shift as part of a broader push for national renewal, unity, and a reform coalition. The event brought together former governors, federal and state lawmakers, party leaders, and community figures from different regions of the country.
Those present included former governors Okwesili Nwodo of Enugu State, Achike Udenwa and Sam Egwu of Ebonyi State, and Emeka Ihedioha of Imo State. Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe, Victor Umeh, Tony Nwoye, and Gilbert Nnaji were also in attendance, alongside High Chief Ben Obi, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, Prof Pat Utomi, Prof Osita Ogbu, Chief Ralph Nwosu, and several other political leaders. Members of the National Assembly, state assemblies, and community groups were part of the gathering.
The event also featured key figures from outside the South East, including African Democratic Congress National Chairman and former Senate President David Mark, former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, and former Edo State Governor Oserheimen Osunbor.
In his address, Obi said his decision to leave the Labour Party and align with the African Democratic Congress was driven by what he described as the need to build a wider, values driven coalition committed to restructuring governance, tackling corruption, and strengthening national cohesion. He argued that Nigeria is rich in human and natural resources but trapped in what he called a system that rewards failure, encourages impunity, and sidelines merit.
He stated that insecurity, poverty, and social distress are being felt across all regions, and warned that repeating the same political patterns would deepen national decline. He called for dismantling entrenched structures that promote corruption and poor governance, insisting that a new national direction is both necessary and achievable.
Obi maintained that with unity and credible leadership, agriculture and manufacturing can become key drivers of national output, helping shift the economy from consumption to production while addressing unemployment, inflation, corruption, and illiteracy.
He urged his supporters, the Obidient Movement, political associates, and other opposition stakeholders to rally around what he described as a broad reform coalition under the African Democratic Congress led by David Mark, guided by patriotism and the national interest. He said the coalition seeks leadership that unites citizens, governs responsibly, and delivers measurable public outcomes.
Obi concluded that the Enugu meeting would stand as part of a turning point in efforts to build a more productive, inclusive, and stable Nigeria, noting that courage, unity, and shared resolve are essential to shaping a different future for the country.
