Atiku Welcomes Obi To ADC, Says Move Will Strengthen Opposition

By Ayodele Oni

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed optimism that Peter Obi’s entry into the African Democratic Congress, (ADC), would strengthen opposition politics and lay the groundwork for a government capable of delivering prosperity and peace to Nigerians.

The former vice president welcomed the official declaration of Obi, into the ADC, describing the development as a significant moment in the history of political coalitions in Nigeria.

Atiku made the remarks on Wednesday, in a statement shared on his verified Facebook handle.

“Today marks a significant moment in the history of political coalitions in our country, with the official declaration of my brother and associate, Peter Obi, into the African Democratic Congress (ADC).”

The former PDP presidential candidate said he was pleased to officially welcome the former LP presidential candidate Obi into the party, stressing that their collaboration would help foster a “virile opposition” that can effectively challenge the ruling party and offer Nigerians a credible alternative.

“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,” he added.

Atiku also referenced the symbolic take-off of what he described as the “ADC Coalition train” from Enugu, the capital of the South-East zone, noting that the choice of location underscored the coalition’s national outlook and inclusive agenda.

“And as the ADC 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,” he said.

Peter Obi has formally defected to the ADC, alongside several prominent political leaders from the South-East geopolitical zone.

Obi said the move to the ADC was part of a broader effort to forge a united opposition platform capable of working with like-minded leaders across the country to “rescue Nigeria from the poor governance of the All Progressives Congress (APC).”

Dignitaries at the event included former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha; Senators Ben Obi, Victor Umeh, Tony Nwoye and Gilbert Nnaji; Chief Onyema Ugochukwu; Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe; Senator Sam Egwu, as well as several serving and former members of the National Assembly.

Also in attendance were leaders from other parts of the country, including former Senate President and national chairman of the ADC, Senator David Mark; former governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aminu Tambuwal; former governors from the South-East, and other political heavyweights.