The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has welcomed former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, describing his formal declaration as a sign of the party’s expanding influence and determination to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Obi was officially unveiled in Enugu on Wednesday alongside prominent South East politicians, including Senators Victor Umeh (Anambra Central), Tony Nwoye (Anambra North), and Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South), former Imo State Governor Achike Udenwa, House of Representatives member Afam Ogene, and former APC senatorial candidate in Enugu State, Princess Adaku Ogbu Aguocha, popularly known as Ada Ogbu.

The event was attended by party chieftains such as former Senate President David Mark, former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, and the National Chairman of the ADC.

The party had earlier granted Obi and other prominent politicians, who had aligned with the ADC but not yet formally registered, a waiver on the membership registration deadline to allow them complete disengagement from their former parties.

Commenting on the development, ADC National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi told reporters via WhatsApp that Obi’s declaration is expected to pave the way for more high-profile politicians to join the party, further strengthening its national footprint.

Abdullahi said: “We are, of course, delighted. Mr. Obi has been with the coalition from the start. So, this is just formalisation and to also bring his associates and supporters on board.

“We are confident that not just the SE but Nigerians across the country will see this as further evidence that ADC is getting stronger. We expect more high-profile entrants in the coming days”

During the declaration ceremony, Obi called for urgent national unity, credible elections and transformational leadership as Nigeria prepares to enter 2026, warning that the country is facing an existential crisis driven by poor governance, weakened institutions and deliberate political sabotage.

He criticised what he described as a forged and exploitative tax regime, warning that taxing poverty cannot create wealth or unity, and accused the political class of governing through deception, corruption and impunity.

He warned that attempts to rig or manipulate the 2027 elections would be resisted through lawful means, insisting that credible elections are central to national renewal, while describing Nigeria as a nation rich in human and natural resources but looted into poverty by divisive and self-serving leadership.

Drawing lessons from Rwanda, Indonesia and other transformed economies, he argued that unity, honesty and competent leadership are decisive factors in development, contrasting Nigeria’s decline with countries that made deliberate policy choices to build consensus and productivity. (The Nation)