The former Governor of Anambra State and presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has officially moved to the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC). Obi explained that his decision to exit the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was necessitated by the current state of the nation and an urgent requirement to save Nigeria from its various compounding crises.
Confirming the move on Monday, Obi announced that he is joining the NDC alongside his close political ally and former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
He stated that their partnership within this new party is aimed at sustaining the momentum for a “New Nigeria” that prioritizes accountability, justice, competence, and a genuine concern for the plight of the common citizen.
According to him, the union represents a consolidated effort to provide Nigerians with a credible alternative focused on governance over politics.
Addressing the reasons behind his departure from his previous platform, the former governor noted that the same challenges that forced him out of the Labour Party had resurfaced within the ADC.
“I left the ADC for the same reason I left the Labour Party: the severe, orchestrated litigation and internal crises deliberately designed to ensure that I, alongside many other notable individuals, do not effectively participate in the electoral process,” Obi stated.
He suggested that these internal frictions were not accidental but were strategically managed to stifle effective opposition participation in future elections.
Despite his exit, Obi maintained a tone of appreciation toward the leadership he left behind. He specifically thanked the ADC Chairman, Senator David Mark, for what he described as exceptional leadership during his tenure with the party.
He also extended his gratitude to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, whom he referred to as his “elder brother,” along with other prominent figures within the party hierarchy.
He clarified that his move was not born out of personal animosity or individual ambition but resulted from a period of deep reflection on the harrowing challenges currently facing the Nigerian populace.
Obi highlighted the deteriorating socio-economic conditions of the country, pointing to the rising levels of poverty, widespread hunger, and the persistent insecurity that continues to claim lives. He lamented the collapse of small businesses and the fading hope among the Nigerian youth.
He emphasized that the current era demands leadership defined by character and capacity rather than propaganda or divisive rhetoric. “At a time like this, leadership must be driven not by propaganda or division, but by competence, capacity, character, and compassion,” he added.
Furthermore, the NDC chieftain directed a plea to the Federal Government to desist from fueling internal party squabbles and unresolved legal battles.
He warned that using the judiciary or state apparatus to weaken opposition parties is a dangerous trend that undermines the foundation of democracy. Obi cautioned that when the democratic balance is destroyed, it is the ordinary citizens who bear the ultimate burden of poor governance and lack of accountability.
Concluding his remarks, Obi called on Nigerians, particularly women and the youth, to maintain their resilience despite the prevailing hardships. He reaffirmed his dedication to working with all well-meaning citizens across ethnic and religious lines to achieve national rebirth.
He insisted that the task of rebuilding the nation is far greater than any individual interest or political entity, maintaining his popular slogan that “a new Nigeria is still possible.”
