“To Dismantle Structures of Poverty and Insecurity, We Must Build Bridges” – Obi

Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has stated that to dismantle the structures that perpetuate poverty, we must build connections rather than barriers.

“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 challenging,” he said.

Speaking on Thursday after the unveiling of the Coalition Movement under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the former Governor of Anambra State emphasised that this decision was not made lightly. It was the result of careful reflection on the current state of the country and what needs to be done to move forward.

“This decision was not made lightly. It comes from deep reflection on where we are as a country and what must be done to drive progress,” he added.

Obi affirmed a strong commitment to sacrifice and collaboration in preparation for the 2027 general elections, aiming to ensure that Nigeria has competent, capable, and compassionate leadership that prioritises the welfare of its citizens. He asserted that a “new Nigeria is definitely POssible.”

In a surprising development, on Wednesday, members of the coalition formally adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as their platform for the 2027 general elections. Distinguished Senator David Mark has been appointed as the National Chairman, while H.E. Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has been named National Secretary.

Originally, the unveiling was scheduled to take place at the Wells Carlton Hotel and Apartment, but it was cancelled less than 24 hours before the event. The Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja was selected as a last-minute venue. Reports suggest that hotel owners were threatened, which led them to withdraw their bookings for the event.

Meanwhile, the Presidency expressed anxiety about the coalition, describing it as “dead on arrival,” despite the participation of notable politicians involved in the coalition movement.