Manny Ita –
Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has officially launched a new political campaign tagged “Operation Rescue Nigeria,” signaling a definitive shift from his former platform to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Speaking at a high-profile declaration event in Enugu, Obi confirmed that the “Obidient” movement—the youth-led demographic that powered his previous campaign—has now been formally aligned with the ADC as part of a grand coalition of opposition forces.
The move comes after months of speculation and internal friction within the Labour Party, which Obi’s camp recently described as having “collapsed structures.” During his address, Obi emphasized that the new alliance is not merely a change of party logo but a strategic consolidation intended to provide a unified front against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections. “Our mission remains the same: to move Nigeria from consumption to production. If the platform we were on can no longer carry the weight of the people’s aspirations, we must build a stronger vessel,” Obi stated.
The launch of “Operation Rescue Nigeria” was attended by several prominent political figures, including former Senate President David Mark, who has been appointed the National Chairman of the reorganized ADC, and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, serving as the National Secretary. Obi noted that this coalition is a “broad tent” designed to accommodate various ideological blocs, specifically mentioning his outreach to the Northern political consultative groups and other opposition leaders. “No single individual or small group can save this country alone; it requires a collective sacrifice and a unified platform that prioritizes national survival over partisan loyalty,” he added.
Reaction from the Labour Party has been swift, with party leadership describing Obi’s exit as a “liberation” that allows the party to return to its original labor-centric roots. Conversely, the ADC has welcomed the influx of the “Obidient” movement, with stakeholders asserting that the party is now the primary opposition vehicle in Nigeria. As part of the rollout for “Operation Rescue Nigeria,” Obi’s team announced a nationwide mobilization tour to begin next month, focusing on voter education and the “protection of the mandate” following recent legislative debates regarding electronic transmission of election results.
