“Build Bridges, Not Walls” — Peter Obi Explains Why He Joined Opposition Coalition Against APC
Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr Peter Obi, has explained that his decision to join the newly formed opposition coalition stems from a shared commitment to ending poverty and insecurity in Nigeria.
In a statement posted Thursday on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Obi said the country’s challenges demand collective effort and unity across political lines.
“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,” he said.
Obi, who came third in the 2023 presidential election, said the decision was taken after deep reflection on Nigeria’s condition and the urgent need for change.
“This decision was not made lightly. It comes from deep reflection on where we are as a country and what must be done to move forward,” the former Anambra governor stated.
He emphasized that the coalition is committed to offering “competent, capable, and compassionate” leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“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.”
On Wednesday, the National Opposition Coalition Group adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its platform for the 2027 elections, bringing together major opposition figures in a bid to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Among its key members are 2023 PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Rivers Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and former Senate President David Mark, who was named interim national chairman of the ADC.
Also involved are former governors Gabriel Suswam (Benue), Sule Lamido (Jigawa), and Rauf Aregbesola (Osun), who was appointed interim secretary.
While many of the coalition’s figures have formally aligned with the ADC, Mr Obi has yet to publicly resign from the Labour Party, though his involvement signals a significant shift in opposition dynamics ahead of the 2027 race.
