Amanze Chinonye
Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called on Nigerians to unite across ethnic, religious and political divides to defend democracy and national cohesion ahead of the 2027 general elections, Prime Business Africa reports.
Obi made the call on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, in Enugu, while addressing political leaders, supporters and members of the Obidient Movement, following his formal alignment with the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Speaking under the theme “It Is Now Time for National Unity and Prosperity,” Obi said his decision to align with the ADC-led coalition, chaired by former Senate President David Mark, was guided by patriotism and national interest, stressing that Nigeria had reached a critical turning point.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelHe said the country was grappling with weak institutions, electoral injustice, deepening poverty, insecurity and widening national disunity, which he attributed largely to leadership failure and the deliberate exploitation of ethnic and political divisions.
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Obi accused the ruling political establishment of undermining democracy through manipulation, coercion and what he described as “outright gangsterism,” particularly against opposition parties. He warned that any attempt to subvert the will of Nigerians in the 2027 elections would be resisted through lawful and legitimate means.
He called for urgent electoral reforms, including strengthening the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), enforcing eligibility requirements for candidates and ensuring transparent transmission of election results.
“At the heart of our national transformation is electoral integrity,” Obi said, warning that Nigeria risked democratic instability if credible elections were not guaranteed.
On the economy, Obi said more than 130 million Nigerians are living in multidimensional poverty, while over 80 million youths remain unemployed, amid worsening insecurity and what he described as fiscal recklessness.
He contrasted Nigeria’s trajectory with countries such as Rwanda, Indonesia and Singapore, arguing that leadership quality and national consensus not resource endowment were the key drivers of development. He noted that despite Nigeria’s vast resources, living standards had continued to decline.
Obi also criticised what he described as dishonest fiscal practices, referencing a reported controversy over discrepancies between a tax law passed by the National Assembly and the version eventually gazetted. He warned that excessive taxation without transparency would deepen poverty rather than promote prosperity.
“Taxing poverty will not create wealth; it will only create more poverty,” he said.
He argued that Nigeria’s challenges were not rooted in a lack of potential, but in systemic corruption, impunity and leadership failure, describing the country as “looted into poverty.”
Calling on Nigerians at home and in the diaspora, Obi urged unity and active civic engagement, warning that silence and division would only entrench the country’s decline.
Looking ahead to 2027, he urged citizens not only to vote but to defend their votes, insisting that democracy remains the legitimate means of effecting peaceful change.
Obi said the ADC-led coalition represents a collective resolve to rescue Nigeria, expressing confidence that a united and productive future remains achievable.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
