By BONIFACE AKARAH

A group, the South East Patriots (SEP), has welcomed reports that South-East political leaders led by former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, have concluded plans to formally align with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the move as a timely step toward building a united opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Obunike Ohaegbu, and made available to News Express on December 28, 2025, SEP said the planned alignment—expected to be formally declared on December 31 in Enugu—reflects its long-held position that no single individual can defeat a sitting president without a broad-based coalition.

“Only a united opposition can defeat the Asiwaju-led APC Federal Government in 2027,” SEP said, adding that “Nigerian political history is clear that no single individual defeats a sitting president acting through the full machinery of the state.”

The group said the reported decision by South-East leaders was “bold and timely,” stressing that electoral victory in Nigeria requires “unity, negotiation, coalition-building, and strategic coordination.”

Following what it described as an emergency meeting, SEP said it resolved that the South-East must “speak with one voice at the appropriate time” and engage other regions through negotiation, noting that “a united voting bloc has undisputable bargaining power at the table of negotiation.”

SEP further declared its support for Obi within a broader opposition platform, saying it would back him “as part of a united South-East leadership platform within a wider opposition coalition,” based on the belief that unity strengthens political leverage and relevance.

According to the group, “the purpose of political power must be development-driven and not symbolic,” outlining key priorities it said a united South-East should pursue, including gas reticulation to power regional industrialisation, revival of eastern seaports, completion of the Port Harcourt–Maiduguri rail line through Aba and Enugu, and dredging of the River Niger to boost inland trade.

SEP also highlighted existing local trade routes, noting that farmers already transport produce by water from Idah in Kogi State and Agenebode in Edo State to Onitsha. These routes, it said, “must be modernised, secured, and supported, not ignored.”

Calling on South-East indigenes to mobilise ahead of the planned Enugu declaration, the group urged its members across the region to attend the programme, saying “a very strong statement of intent is expected on that day.”

“Nigeria stands at a crossroads,” SEP said. “Unity is not optional. Strategy is not emotional. Power is negotiated.”