“I Go to Places Those in Government Fear to Go,” Obi Says as He Defects to ADC

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has urged Nigerian leaders to remain connected to the grassroots and focus on improving the lives of ordinary citizens.

Obi spoke on Wednesday in Enugu during his formal defection from the Labour Party (LP) to the coalition-backed African Democratic Congress (ADC).

He said meaningful leadership requires presence in communities often neglected by those in power, including internally displaced persons (IDPs).

“I have gone round states across the country. I have been to places those in government fear to go or even acknowledge,” Obi said.

According to him, his visits to IDP camps in Benue, Plateau, and other states exposed the depth of hardship faced by many Nigerians.

“I have been to IDP camps. I have seen their pain, and it is everywhere,” he added.

Obi questioned how widespread hunger persists in a country endowed with vast resources, describing the situation as unacceptable.

“Nigeria has everything. There is no reason our people should be hungry,” he said.

Announcing his defection, the former Anambra State governor said his move to the ADC ahead of the 2027 general election was aimed at transforming the country.

“We are ending this year with hope that in 2026 we will begin a rescue journey,” Obi stated.

He also pledged to challenge electoral malpractice through lawful means in the 2027 elections.

“We will resist rigging by every legal means available,” Obi said.