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By Myke Agunwa
Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has said that the African Democratic Congress coalition will always consider the interest of Nigerians first in all its decisions and policies.
Recall that the mega coalition on Wednesday adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the platform to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.
The coalition also appointed a former Senate President, David Mark, who has resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as its interim national chairman, with a former governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, appointed as the interim national secretary while the ADC founding chairman, Dr. Ralph Nwosu tendered his resignation letter.
Reacting to the development, Obi who was present at the event, further reaffirmed his support for the adoption of the ADC as the coalition platform via his verified X handle on Thursday.
He said that the move was borne out of a commitment to provide competent and compassionate leadership for Nigeria.
The former Anambra governor said the coalition’s decision to unite under the ADC was not taken lightly but came after “deep reflection” on Nigeria’s current state and the urgent need for a new direction.
Obi wrote, “Yesterday, the coalition members formally adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 Nigeria General Elections with Distinguished Senator David Mark serving as the National Chairman and H.E. Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola serving as the National Secretary.
“Our commitment is to sacrifice and work together towards the 2027 General Elections, ensuring that Nigeria gets a competent, capable, and compassionate leadership that will prioritise the nation’s future by putting the welfare of Nigerians first.”
Obi emphasised the importance of collaboration among opposition forces, stating, “No one group can change Nigeria alone.
“To dismantle the structures that keep our people in poverty and insecurity, we must build bridges, not walls, even when those bridges are uneasy.”
Some of those at the event were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party LP, Peter Obi and his running mate, Datti Baba Ahmed; former Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal; former Governor of Cross River State, Liyel Imoke; former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Engr. Babachir Lawal;
Some former APC NWC members who were there included the former National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun; former spokesman of the APC, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi; former Caretaker National Secretary of APC, Senator John James Akpanudoedehe; and, former National Vice Chairman, Northwest, of the APC, Salihu Moh. Lukman.
The roll call also included four ministers in the Muhammadu Buhari administration – Rotimi Amaechi (Transportation); Rauf Aregbesola (Interior); Ibrahim Malami SAN (Attorney General and Minister of Justice); and, Barr. Solomon Dalung (Sports).
Others were former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai; Gen. Tunde Ogbeha (retd), former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, Uche Secondus; former Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed; former Governor of Adamawa state, Jubrilla Bindow; former Imo state Governor, Emeka Ihedioha; former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Baba Abubakar, Senator Ishaku Abbo; former National Vice Chairman, Northwest, of the APC, Salihu Moh. Lukman; Senator Dino Melaye; Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Ireti Kingibe; and activist, Aisha Yesufu.
The list also included former Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Simon Achuba; former Edo State Governor, Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor; Senator Lee Maeba; former Inspector General of Police IGP MD Abubakar; former Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswan; Ovation publisher, Aare Dele Momodu; former Presidential adviser, Kashim Imam; Senator Enyinaya Abaribe; Dr Mani Ibrahim; Ms Lauretta Onochie; ex-Rivers Governor, Celestine Omehia; Maryam Inna Ciroma; Senator Aishatu Binani; former Governor of Kogi State, Capt. Idris Wada; former deputy governor of Ondo State, Agboola Ajayi; and, Senator Victor Umeh.