The real reason I left ADC for NDC –Peter Obi

Former Labor Party presidential candidate and African Democratic Party (ADC) chairman Peter Obi has given reasons for his recent decision to dump the party for the Nigerian Democratic Party (NDC).

Obi in a statement on his X account on Tuesday claimed that the Nigerian government was deliberately inciting a crisis in opposition parties to ensure that he, along with many other prominent figures, did not participate effectively in the electoral process.

He said, “Yesterday, I officially joined the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), alongside my beloved brother, Engr. Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, with one clear objective: to continue the fight for a new Nigeria built on justice, competence, accountability and compassion for ordinary Nigerians.

“As I stated yesterday, this decision was not made out of anger, personal ambition or convenience. This decision was taken after deep reflection on the current condition of our country and the urgent need to rescue Nigeria from the dangerous path it is currently on.

“Over the years, I have remained steadfast in my belief that politics should not be just about individuals, positions, or personal gain. It should be about people, especially the millions of Nigerians who today can no longer afford basic needs, whose businesses are going bankrupt, whose children are losing hope, and whose future is increasingly uncertain.

“I left the ADC for the same reasons I left the Labor Party: severe and premeditated litigation and an internal crisis that was deliberately designed to ensure that I, along with many other prominent figures, did not participate effectively in the electoral process. I sincerely appreciate and remain deeply grateful to the ADC Leadership for the opportunity to work together in creating a better Nigeria. I am very grateful to the ADC Chairman Senator David Mark for his outstanding leadership. I also greatly appreciate my Leader and elder brother YE, Atiku Abubakar, as well as other esteemed leaders within party.

“As we join the NDC, I sincerely appeal to the Nigerian Government not to encourage unresolved litigation and the introduction of crises into political parties. Democracy must not become a weapon against the people. Healthy democracies thrive when there are strong institutions, credible alternatives and the freedom of citizens to make choices without intimidation, manipulation or fear. Opposition parties must not be weakened or destroyed, because when democracy is thrown off balance, it is the people who ultimately suffer.

“Nigeria is currently passing through one of the most difficult periods in its history. Poverty is increasing. Hunger is rampant. Insecurity continues to threaten lives and livelihoods. Businesses are closing every day. Our young generation is becoming desperate, and many citizens are losing faith in the system. In times like these, leadership must be driven not by propaganda or division, but by competence, capacity, character and compassion.

“Therefore, our decision to join the NDC is not an abandonment of values, but a continuation of the mission we have always championed: building a Nigeria where leadership is about service, where public resources are managed responsibly, where institutions function independently, and where every Nigerian, regardless of tribe, religion, region, or social status, can live in dignity, security, and hope.

Also read: Dickson rejects ‘propaganda’ over NDC, says party registration started in 2017

“I remain committed to working with all Nigerians of goodwill across political, ethnic and religious boundaries. The task we face is greater than any individual or political party. This is about the future of our children and the survival of our beloved nation.

“I thank the Nigerian people, especially the youth and women, as they remain peaceful, resilient, and full of hope despite the enormous challenges facing the country. I urge you not to lose faith in Nigeria. Nations do not change because their people give in to despair; they change because their people continue to believe, continue to sacrifice, and continue to stand up for what is right.

“A new Nigeria is still possible.”