The decision of former Anambra State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in a ceremony held in Enugu last week has drawn a reaction.
The event, attended by a number of political figures, has sparked criticism from The Alternative Platform (TAP), a political group. In a statement, TAP’s Convener, Femi Odere, characterized the move as a political misstep.
Odere questioned the location of the event, suggesting a traditional political stronghold like Awka would have been a more strategic choice than Enugu. The statement also criticized the defection as inconsistent, referencing Obi’s previous transitions from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), then to the Labour Party (LP).
The group took issue with themes of “national reunification” mentioned in Obi’s defection speech, arguing his 2023 campaign tactics widened ethnic divisions. The statement further described Obi’s presidential bids as ultimately unsuccessful, culminating in a third-place finish in the 2023 election.
TAP’s critique extended to Obi’s tenure as Anambra State Governor, labeling his performance “lacklustre” and accusing him of financial mismanagement, an allegation from his time in office. The group also dismissed his recent criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s tax reforms, framing it as a misunderstanding of governance.
The statement concluded by likening the entire political event to “a naked dance in a market square,” suggesting it was an embarrassing and futile spectacle.
