The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Anambra State, Mr John Nwosu, has said former Anambra governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, remains an integral part of the ADC-led coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.
Nwosu said there was no cause for concern over claims that Obi has not fully identified with the coalition, insisting that the former governor has been involved from its inception.
He made the remarks on Sunday in Awka while speaking with journalists at the ADC secretariat.
According to Nwosu, the Labour Party is one of the key political parties in the ADC coalition and was allocated a strategic position, which is currently occupied by a nominee of Peter Obi.
He explained that positions within the coalition were shared among participating parties, noting that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was allocated the position of national chairman, held by former Senate President David Mark, while the All Progressives Congress (APC) was given the role of national secretary, occupied by former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola.
Nwosu added that the Labour Party is represented by Hon. Chinedu Idigo, who serves as the National Organising Secretary, having been nominated by Peter Obi, while the ADC holds the welfare portfolio.
“This clearly shows that Mr Obi has been part of this coalition from the very beginning,” he said.
Responding to questions on whether he would advise Obi to accept a vice-presidential slot amid calls for a change of government at the centre, Nwosu said the ruling APC administration had failed and that any political strategy capable of dislodging it should be supported.
He stressed that political decisions are ultimately personal, drawing from his own experience during his governorship campaign, which he said he largely funded himself.
Nwosu said he would support any political arrangement that advances the interests of the South-East and the Igbo people, and helps reintegrate the region into the centre of national political and economic activities.
Expressing concern over the region’s economic performance, he noted that the South-East’s economy is valued at less than $100 billion, compared to Lagos State’s estimated $262 billion.
He urged people from the region to return home and engage in collective reflection and planning to address past mistakes and reposition the South-East for growth and greater national relevance.
