Nwajiuba Dismisses Political ‘Heavyweights’ Amid Massive ADC Realignment

Former Minister of State for Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, has delivered a pointed critique of the current political landscape, asserting that the era of traditional “political heavyweights” has effectively dissolved. Speaking during a high-profile appearance on Arise Television this Thursday, January 22, 2026, the former minister argued that the seismic shifts in party affiliations over the last year have leveled the playing field, leaving even the most veteran politicians in a state of re-adjustment.

According to Nwajiuba, the emergence of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a central hub for a new opposition coalition has fundamentally reset the status quo. He noted that because so many prominent figures have recently abandoned their primary parties—such as the PDP and the Labour Party—they have essentially entered a “new field” where past reputations no longer guarantee current dominance. “To be honest with you, I don’t consider anybody a political heavyweight right now,” he stated, describing the current climate as an open contest where everyone is starting from scratch.

Despite his dismissal of the “heavyweight” label, Nwajiuba was quick to defend the caliber of leaders now populating the ADC. He stressed that the party has become a sanctuary for credible figures who possess significant public trust. He singled out former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as a prime example of institutional integrity, specifically praising his management of Nigeria’s privatization program as a period of “decency” that stands in stark contrast to the models that followed.

The former minister also addressed the significant political realignment involving Peter Obi, who officially moved his “Obidient” structure to the ADC at the end of December 2025. Nwajiuba referred to Obi as an “elder brother” who has been an integral part of the emerging coalition’s strategy. He reflected on the 2023 elections, noting that while young Nigerians saw Obi as a candidate for the Labour Party then, the current national crisis requires a broader, more inclusive platform that transcends single-party identities.

In his analysis of the coalition’s internal dynamics, Nwajiuba mentioned former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi as another key ally within the fold. He described the current ADC environment as one that welcomes all “shades of ideals,” suggesting that the party is positioning itself not just as a political party, but as a multi-sectoral “rescue mission” for the 2027 general elections.

Nwajiuba’s remarks come at a time of intense political maneuvering, as the ADC coalition—which now reportedly includes figures as diverse as Nasir El-Rufai and various parliamentarians—begins to formalize its structure. The former minister emphasized that for Nigeria to move forward, it requires the collective participation of experienced leaders who are willing to sacrifice their previous party “titles” for a unified national goal.

He concluded his televised appearance by calling for even broader participation across traditional political lines. By rejecting the term “heavyweight,” Nwajiuba appears to be signaling a shift toward a more meritocratic approach to leadership selection within the opposition, urging Nigerians to look beyond the “recycling of old models” and toward a collaborative future built on proven public service.