From Sodiq Omolaoye
Former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has said his decision to join the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) was driven by the urgent need to “rescue Nigeria” from worsening economic and governance challenges.
Obi, in a statement on Monday, said he made the move alongside former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, stressing that the decision followed deep reflection on the state of the nation and the direction of its democracy.
“I joined the NDC to continue the struggle for a new Nigeria built on justice, competence, accountability, and compassion for the ordinary Nigerian,” he said.
He maintained that his defection from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was not driven by personal ambition or convenience, but by what he described as orchestrated crises and litigations within political parties that undermine democratic participation.
Obi also referenced his earlier exit from the Labour Party, saying the recurring internal challenges across platforms had made it difficult for him and other reform-minded politicians to operate effectively.
While expressing appreciation to the leadership of the ADC, including its National Chairman, David Mark, Obi also acknowledged former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, and other political actors he has worked with over time.
He warned against what he called the weakening of opposition politics through legal and internal party crises, urging government to ensure a level playing field for all democratic actors.
Obi said Nigeria was currently facing severe socio-economic pressures, including rising poverty, insecurity, business closures, and growing youth frustration, adding that leadership must prioritise competence, character, and compassion.
His words: “As I stated yesterday, this decision was not made out of anger, personal ambition, or convenience. It came after deep reflection on the present condition of our nation and the urgent need to rescue Nigeria from the dangerous path it is currently heading.
“Over the years, I have remained steadfast in my conviction that politics should never be about individuals, positions, or personal gain. It must be about the people, especially the millions of Nigerians who today can no longer afford necessities, whose businesses are collapsing, whose children are losing hope, and whose future is becoming increasingly uncertain.
“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.
“I sincerely appreciate and remain deeply grateful to the Leadership of ADC for the opportunity to work together in pursuit of a better Nigeria. I am particularly grateful to ADC Chairman Senator David Mark for his exceptional Leadership. I also deeply appreciate my Leader and elder brother YE, Atiku Abubakar, as well as other respected leaders within the party.
He appealed to the Nigerian Government against the encouragement of unresolved litigations and the infusion of crises within political parties, saying democracy must never become a weapon against the people.
“Nigeria today is passing through one of the most difficult periods in its history. Poverty is rising. Hunger is widespread. Insecurity continues to threaten lives and livelihoods. Businesses are shutting down daily.
“Our young people are becoming discouraged, and many citizens have lost faith in the system. At a time like this, leadership must be driven not by propaganda or division, but by competence, capacity, character, and compassion.
“Our decision to join the NDC is therefore not an abandonment of values, but a continuation of the same mission we have always stood for: 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 with dignity, security, and hope”, he added.
He called on Nigerians, especially youths and women, to remain hopeful, insisting that national transformation was still possible if citizens remain committed to democratic engagement.
