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By Myke Agunwa
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has extended a warm welcome to Peter Obi following the latter’s defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) on New Year’s Eve.
Obi formally announced his exit from the Labour Party during a well-attended New Year event in Enugu, where he was joined by several South-East political heavyweights in defecting to the ADC.
Atiku in a message on his X handle shortly after the announcement, described the move as a “significant boost” to efforts aimed at building a united opposition capable of defeating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
The 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate praised Obi’s decision, emphasising that it marks “a new chapter in our collective resolve to rescue Nigeria from misrule, economic hardship, and democratic backsliding.”
He said, “Today marks a significant moment in the history of political coalitions in our country, with the official declaration of my brother and associate, @PeterObi, into the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
“It is my pleasure to welcome him officially, as we look forward to a robust working relationship that will foster a virile opposition, one that will ultimately form a government capable of bringing prosperity and peace to our people. And as the @ADCNig
“Coalition train leaves Enugu, the capital of the Southeast region, I hope this inspires other patriots to join the cause with the train headed in their direction” Atiku wrote.
Atiku, who has maintained close consultations with Obi since the 2023 elections, hinted at ongoing talks for broader opposition coalescence, stating: “The time for petty divisions is over. What Nigeria requires now is a formidable, inclusive platform that places competence, integrity, and the welfare of citizens above personal ambition.”
Similarly, National Coordinator of Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko said that the decision to join ADC is to join the coalition that will unseat Tinubu in 2027.
“As we take another bold step in Nation Building for the interest of the Nigerian people. H E has set the Agenda once again in the political history of Nigeria. We move together with the coalition under the African Democratic Congress ADC.
“Today we are going to unnvail our continuous Xspace discussions in our mobilisation drive” Tanko disclosed.
Political observers interpret Atiku’s swift and positive response as a clear signal that the two former rivals, who collectively garnered over 54% of the vote in 2023, are working toward a strategic alliance, potentially under the ADC banner, to avoid the vote-splitting that handed President Bola Tinubu victory.
ADC National Chairman, former Senate President David Mark, also welcomed the development, saying Obi’s entry “heralds the beginning of a new, people-centred political order.”
As Nigeria steps into 2026, the opposition landscape appears to be consolidating rapidly, with analysts predicting intensified negotiations in the coming months to produce a single, formidable challenger against the APC in the 2027 presidential race.