Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has appealed to Nigerians to join him in rescuing the country from decades of poor governance, describing the initiative as a collective responsibility rather than a personal quest.
The former Anambra State governor emphasized that “Operation Rescue Nigeria” is designed for the future generations who will bear the consequences of persistent mismanagement and weak governance, and called on citizens to unite across political, ethnic, and regional lines to achieve meaningful change.
Speaking on Saturday in Uyo at the OBIDIENT Conference and official declaration for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), under the theme “Activating the PO Effect in ADC,” Obi urged Nigerians to set aside partisan differences and channel their energies toward securing the nation’s democratic future ahead of the 2027 presidential elections.
He emphasised the urgency of unity and civic engagement as essential components in reversing the decades-long trend of ineffective leadership and governance failures.
In his address, Obi stressed the importance of credible elections and real-time transmission of results, stating: “Nigeria must get it right in 2027. Election results must be transmitted online in real time, and whoever fails to transmit results will be transmitted. Democracy must work. I appeal to you to join hands with me to rescue this country.”
The statement reflected his deep concern over past electoral irregularities and his determination to ensure transparency in the upcoming elections.
Obi explained that his departure from the Labour Party was prompted by structural and political impediments that threatened to bar him from contesting future elections.
“I left the Labour Party when I got informed that as long as I remain in the party, INEC will not recognise its leadership, and the Federal Government does not want me on the ballot,” he said, highlighting the political constraints that influenced his strategic realignment with the ADC.
He further assured Nigerians of his commitment to contest the 2027 elections, regardless of obstacles, adding: “But I want to assure you that I will contest the coming election even if it is held in their bedroom. And if they don’t want to transmit the result, we will transmit it for them.”
His remarks underscored his insistence on both participation and accountability in the nation’s electoral process.
Obi also criticised the current administration for accumulating unprecedented national debt, warning that future generations would bear the burden of loans contracted today.
“The current administration has collected more loans than every other administration, and most of these loans will be repaid between 2045 and 2050, when many who plunged the country into this indebtedness are no more,” he said, highlighting the long-term fiscal implications of current governance policies.
Beyond fiscal issues, Obi pledged that a future administration under his leadership would prioritise investments in education and healthcare, citing these sectors as fundamental to national development.
He noted that most developed nations achieved progress through deliberate investment in human capital, and promised to address systemic poverty and criminality while focusing on sustainable socioeconomic growth.
“I will tour the entire country and visit all higher institutions to understand the real challenges on the ground. I want to help fix Nigeria now that I have the strength to undertake difficult tasks. Those joining me must understand that the priority is the future and well-being of the people,” Obi stated, conveying a commitment to inclusive engagement and firsthand assessment of developmental needs across Nigeria.
Addressing the issue of corruption, Obi said the menace would be significantly reduced under his administration, citing his record as governor of Anambra State as proof of his integrity.
“When I became governor of Anambra State, I advised my wife to forget about the office of First Lady. We were not elected together,” he said, stressing personal accountability and transparency in governance.
Obi further highlighted his commitment to equitable administration of resources, explaining: “I approved over 100 Certificates of Occupancy for government lands, but kept none for myself or family. If you find any, petition me to the appropriate authority.”
He used these examples to reinforce his position that leadership must operate above self-interest to serve citizens effectively.
Also speaking at the event, the Coordinator of the OBIDIENT movement worldwide, Dr. Tanko Yunusa, urged Nigerians to mobilise actively for the 2027 elections and to leverage the ADC as a vehicle for national transformation and electoral victory.
“This is Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, as we continue to mobilise into the ADC. The strong words of His Excellency Peter Obi are very clear: we will not allow a repeat of what happened in the 2023 election,” Yunusa said, framing the mobilisation as both a strategic and moral imperative.
The Akwa Ibom State Coordinator of OBIDIENT, Dr. Ben Smith, reinforced the call for unity, cautioning that internal divisions could undermine the vision of a new Nigeria. He reminded participants that “Operation Rescue Nigeria” is not about an individual but about a generation – jobs for youths, security for families, dignity for workers, and hope for every Nigerian – and stressed the importance of coordinated action at the state and local levels.
Obi’s supporters, initiating early mobilisation for the 2027 general elections, declared that they would not allow a repeat of the 2023 electoral outcome. Yunusa noted that the movement was consolidating its structures across wards and local government areas in preparation for the next elections, emphasising disciplined organisation and grassroots engagement.
“In 2027, you will either count the votes correctly, or you will be counted. We must all be ready to defend our votes,” he said, underlining the high stakes of civic participation and electoral integrity.
The OBIDIENT coordinator further urged supporters across Akwa Ibom State to intensify grassroots organising, calling on every coordinator, volunteer, youth leader, courageous woman, and wise elder to mobilise from every part of the state.
“Organise ward meetings. Strengthen your polling unit structures. Register, revalidate, and align,” Yunusa said, highlighting the need for meticulous preparation to secure electoral credibility.
Finally, the movement’s leaders declared that the OBIDIENT network would strategically align with the African Democratic Congress, signalling a cohesive approach to achieving political objectives in the 2027 elections.
The alignment aims to combine organisational capacity, popular mobilisation, and policy-driven leadership to deliver a transformative electoral outcome, with Obi at the centre of a nationwide movement focused on generational change, social development, and accountable governance.