Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, has highlighted Nigeria’s worsening socio-economic situation, describing the country as one of the poorest in the world despite its abundant natural and human resources. Obi emphasized that millions of Nigerians are trapped in poverty, warning that the nation has become one of the worst-performing countries globally and labeling it the “poverty capital of the world.” He stressed the need to build a Nigeria where every child has the opportunity to succeed regardless of background.
Obi formally registered as a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in his hometown of Agulu, Anambra State, where he also announced plans to challenge the newly enacted Electoral Act 2026 in court. He alleged that certain provisions in the law were designed to manipulate the outcome of the 2027 general elections and accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of overstepping its mandate by interfering in political party affairs. Obi argued that INEC’s role is to conduct elections, not dictate how parties select their candidates, and claimed that the new legislation appeared tailored to favor the ruling party.
He urged party members and supporters to intensify grassroots mobilization ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly in Anambra State, which has about 2.8 million registered voters. Obi also highlighted the importance of greater unity among opposition parties and noted that the South-East is working with other regions to build a strong opposition capable of creating a “new Nigeria.”
The ADC has launched a membership registration drive, conducted both physically and online, with around 50,000 membership cards already distributed in Anambra State. The party plans to adopt a direct primary system for selecting candidates in future elections. John Nwosu, the ADC candidate in the November 2025 Anambra governorship election, praised Obi’s registration as a milestone for the party, urging members to remain united and address challenges such as vote buying, voter apathy, and inadequate polling agents in preparation for future elections.
