By Chichi Nwaoye
As Nigeria entered 2026, former Anambra Governor Peter Obi used the occasion to issue a call for unity, transparency, and decisive leadership, framing the New Year as a turning point for the nation. Speaking at a gathering at Nike Lake Resort, Enugu, Obi urged Nigerians to confront systemic failures and embrace a path of inclusive development and honest governance.
In a statement marking New Year’s Day, Obi described the period as a chance for “sober reflection and renewed determination,” stressing that democracy should not be reduced to an electoral ritual, but practiced daily through justice, accountability, compassion, and the rule of law. He challenged public officials to rediscover the sacred duty of truth-telling, including honesty about policies, intentions, and even personal health.
“Leadership thrives on trust, and trust is only possible with honesty,” Obi said. “Let this year be one where public office is seen as a solemn call to service rather than a platform for personal enrichment, and where public resources are managed with transparency, discipline, and a deep sense of responsibility to both current and future generations.”
Obi also emphasised compassion and sacrifice, calling on the nation to prioritize healthcare, education, jobs, and productivity over extravagance, funerals, and vanity projects. “A nation is not defined by the grandeur of its celebrations but by the dignity of life it offers its citizens,” he said.
Historic Gathering and Political Realignment
The former presidential candidate later hosted a broad political gathering in Enugu, drawing leaders from across Nigeria. Among the attendees were former governors Okwesili Nwodo, Achike Udenwa, Sam Egwu, and Emeka Ihedioha, as well as senators Enyinnaya Abaribe, Victor Umeh, Tony Nwoye, Gilbert Nnaji, and political figures High Chief Ben Obi, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, Prof. Pat Utomi, Prof. Osita Ogbu, and Chief Ralph Nwosu.
Notably, the event welcomed leaders from outside the Igbo community, including ADC National Chairman and former Senate President David Mark, former Sokoto Governor Aminu Tambuwal, and former Edo Governor Oserheimen Osunbor, signalling Obi’s ambition for cross-regional political unity.
Addressing the gathering, Obi asserted that Nigeria’s challenges stem not from a lack of resources but from the deliberate exploitation by a political class that rewards mediocrity, punishes merit, and recycles failure. He warned that the nation is “suffocating under impunity and greed,” and called for genuine, patriotic change rather than cosmetic reforms.
Obi highlighted the urgency of action, citing visits to internally displaced persons (IDP) camps and widespread insecurity, poverty, and despair. “From North to South, East to West, Nigerians are feeling insecurity and despair. This cannot define our legacy,” he said.
Building a New Nigeria
Obi outlined his vision for a New Nigeria, one anchored on unity, effective governance, and economic transformation. He proposed boosting agriculture and manufacturing as major contributors to GDP, transitioning the country from a state of consumption to production, and addressing corruption, unemployment, inflation, and illiteracy.
He called on political associates, the Obidient Movement, and members of opposition parties to join a broad coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by Senator David Mark. The coalition, he said, will operate with patriotism and the national interest at its core, aiming to deliver “honest, transparent, and responsive leadership.”
“Together, with courage, unity, and resolve, we can build a new, productive, and inclusive Nigeria,” Obi said. “A New Nigeria is possible.”