Obi Seeks Opposition Alliance to Tackle Nigeria’s Challenges

By Abah Margaret

Former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called for stronger unity among opposition leaders to confront Nigeria’s growing challenges, particularly insecurity and economic hardship.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Obi warned that the country is at a critical juncture, grappling with worsening insecurity, rising unemployment, economic difficulties, and declining public trust in governance. He stressed that addressing these issues requires more than political rhetoric, urging deliberate and coordinated action.

His remarks come amid renewed political realignments within the opposition, following the defection of former Kano State governor and ex-presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Kwankwaso formally joined the party on Monday in Kano, where he was received by key stakeholders, including the party’s National Chairman, David Mark. Other prominent opposition figures present at the event included Aminu Tambuwal, Rotimi Amaechi, Dino Melaye, and John Odigie-Oyegun.

The development is widely seen as a boost for the ADC and part of broader efforts to build a formidable opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Obi, who revealed that he visited Kano on Monday at Kwankwaso’s invitation, described the move as a significant step towards “rescuing and rebuilding” Nigeria’s democracy. He urged political leaders to set aside ethnic, religious, and regional differences in the interest of national unity.

According to him, the task ahead extends beyond winning elections to rebuilding institutions, restoring public confidence, and securing a better future for Nigerians.

He emphasised the need for sacrifice, courage, and selflessness, adding that Nigeria requires a shift towards leadership anchored on competence, character, and commitment to national development.

Obi further called on opposition members and Nigerians at large to prioritise national interest, insisting that only a united front can effectively address insecurity and other pressing national concerns.

He said, “Nigeria is at a critical stage in its history. The challenges we face — economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, and declining public trust — require more than rhetoric. They demand deliberate collaboration, disciplined leadership, and a shared commitment to national progress.”