By Christiana LOT, JOS
The Coalition for the Protection of Democracy (COPDEM) has declared its full support for Mr. Peter Obi following his reception into the African Democratic Congress (ADC), pledging nationwide mobilisation and grassroots backing for his political engagement within the party.
The declaration was made by COPDEM National Chairman, Prince Rwang Pam Jr., while addressing newsmen on Thursday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Jos, Plateau State, alongside members of the coalition.
Prince Pam said Obi’s entry into the ADC had further strengthened the resolve of the coalition to align with what he described as principled leadership and people-centred governance, assuring the former Anambra State governor of COPDEM’s unwavering support.
According to the COPDEM chairman, the coalition already has a growing presence within the ADC, with thousands of its members formally integrated into the party’s structure nationwide.
“COPDEM is hereby assuring you – Your Excellency – that you are not alone in ADC; the over 5 million members of COPDEM are already looking forward to this great event,” he said.
“The over 20,000 COPDEM members that have picked up ADC cards will walk with you through thick and thin of this adventure,” Prince Pam stated.
He described COPDEM as a coalition committed to the protection of democracy, the rule of law, social justice, and zero tolerance for corruption, noting that the group considers Obi a partner who shares its core values.
Prince Pam further said the coalition’s support goes beyond endorsement, stressing that COPDEM would remain resolute in mobilisation, civic engagement, voter education, and the defence of democratic values at all levels in support of the ADC.
He noted that Obi’s alignment with the ADC had energised members of the coalition across the country, particularly young people, professionals, workers, and other segments of society who believe that competence, character, and capacity should define leadership in Nigeria.
The COPDEM chairman also used the opportunity to call on Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to take active roles in the country’s democratic process, urging them to join the coalition and contribute to national renewal efforts.
“Fellow Nigerians at home and abroad, are you pained by the current state of our one and only beloved country Nigeria? If Nigeria is the only country in the world that you truly call home then you do not have the luxury of wishing, sitting and watching,” he added.
Prince Pam concluded by reaffirming COPDEM’s commitment to working with the ADC and its leadership to pursue what he described as a just, democratic, and prosperous Nigeria.
