The Eastern Union has described Peter Obi’s move to the African Democratic Congress as a major political boost for Nigerians at the start of the year.
The group said the development has renewed public confidence ahead of the 2027 general election.
Reacting to the defection, the National President of the Eastern Union, Hon. Charles Anike, said Obi’s decision has reshaped the political space.
He noted that the move has strengthened opposition forces and increased pressure on the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Anike said the defection represents a “New Year’s gift to many Nigerians”.
He stressed that it has revived hope among citizens who desire a strong alternative to the current government.
According to him, “The Obi defection is not only a welcome development but a multiplied encouragement to Nigerians. It is a dead blow to the APC. Our energies have been revived and the political atmosphere will surely change.”
He explained that many Nigerians had long prayed for a credible platform that could challenge the dominance of the APC.
He added that the 2027 election would not follow the usual pattern.
The group said Nigerian youths, especially those frustrated by the current political and economic situation, are beginning to reawaken.
It described recent defections of some governors to the APC as mere political drama.
EU stated, “Many wounded Nigerian youths are warming up to shock APC come 2027. The defection of some state governors to APC is nothing but empty political threats and another APC political miscalculation plotted to deceive Nigerians for another round of server glitches.”
The group also vowed to intensify voter mobilisation across the country.
It said its focus would be on encouraging eligible citizens to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards.
Anike assured that voter turnout in 2027 would surpass previous elections.
He said this would neutralise any alleged plans to manipulate the process.
EU added, “The turnout of voters this time around will be doubled, to overwhelm the rigging calculations of the APC. With Obi’s defection on the eve of the New Year, Nigerians’ hope for socio-political and economic freedom has been revived, renewed and restored to face the Tinubu exploitative New Year taxation gift.”
The group further defended Obi’s decision to leave the Labour Party.
It said remaining in the party or returning to the Peoples Democratic Party would not have served the larger interest.
Anike claimed that both parties had been compromised internally.
He accused political opponents of planting loyalists within opposition structures.
In his words, “LP has over the period been infiltrated by the APC viruses who have planted many political moles in it just as they did in the PDP. The unbelievable performance of LP in 2023 through the Obi candidacy has kept the APC restless and sleepless.”
He said Obi’s next political step had been eagerly anticipated by millions of Nigerians.
According to him, the defection has reignited public determination to reclaim the country.
He added, “Many Nigerian masses have been waiting seriously for Obi’s move. The people’s hope has been revived and rekindled. EU will commence the mobilization and sensitization of fellow Nigerians on the need to gear up once again and renew their resolve to reclaim back their country from political hijackers who have in the past 12 years grabbed power and enslaved the people.”
The article was originally published on Politics Nigeria.