Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has called for national unity and the formation of a broad political coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring that Nigeria urgently needs visionary leadership capable of rescuing the country from deepening economic and governance crises.
Speaking at a high-level political gathering in Enugu, Obi said the meeting marked the beginning of a coordinated effort to build a New Nigeria anchored on accountability, productivity, and inclusive development. The event attracted prominent political leaders from across the country, signaling early realignments ahead of 2027.
Among those present were former governors Okwesili Nwodo (Enugu), Achike Udenwa (Imo), Sam Egwu (Ebonyi) and Emeka Ihedioha (Imo); senators Enyinnaya Abaribe, Victor Umeh, Tony Nwoye, and Gilbert Nnaji; as well as members of the National and State Assemblies. Other notable figures included High Chief Ben Obi, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, Prof. Pat Utomi, Prof. Osita Ogbu, Chief Ralph Nwosu, and leaders from outside the South-East, led by ADC National Chairman and former Senate President, David Mark, alongside former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, and former Edo State Governor, Senator Oserheimen Osunbor.
Obi said Nigeria’s challenges are not rooted in lack of resources but in leadership failure and systemic corruption.
“Nigeria is not poor; we have been looted into poverty. Our problem is a system that rewards mediocrity, protects corruption, and punishes merit,” he said.
He stressed that insecurity, unemployment, inflation, and illiteracy continue to worsen nationwide, insisting that the country needs courageous leadership willing to dismantle entrenched corruption and rebuild national institutions. According to him, agriculture and manufacturing can drive economic revival if supported by honest governance.
Calling for unity across political, ethnic, and religious lines, Obi urged his supporters, the Obidient Movement, and opposition parties to rally behind a broad coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing it as a patriotic platform for national renewal.
“This is the time for unity. Nigeria deserves leadership that unites, governs with empathy, and delivers results. A New Nigeria is possible,” he declared.
Keyamo Reacts: “Stop Deceiving Nigerians”
Reacting sharply to Obi’s remarks, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, accused the former Anambra State governor of misleading Nigerians and engaging in political double-speak.
Keyamo alleged that Obi had already reached an understanding to emerge as a vice-presidential candidate on the platform of the ADC, which he claimed was aligned with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
“There is no need for this merry-go-round. It is dishonest to take your supporters through this emotional roller-coaster and pretend you are running for President when you have allegedly agreed to be a vice-presidential candidate,” Keyamo said.
While acknowledging Obi’s constitutional right to associate with any political party, the minister accused him of projecting a false moral high ground while engaging in what he described as “pure politics.”
He further claimed that Obi’s political journey since 2023 was aimed at positioning himself as Atiku’s running mate, describing the development as ironic given their past rivalry.
Keyamo warned that Nigerians would not be deceived in 2027, insisting that voters would ultimately judge all political actors.
“Your character deserves scrutiny because you seek the highest office. Nigerians are no fools. Let the game begin,” he said.
He dismissed claims that the ruling party was reacting out of fear, stating that public scrutiny of opposition figures was legitimate in a democracy. According to him, both Obi and Atiku would face what he termed “a harsh political reality” when Nigerians vote in 2027.
