Former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has explained that his exit from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was driven by persistent internal crises and legal battles—similar to the circumstances that led to his departure from the Labour Party (LP).
In a statement shared on Monday via his X account, Obi said his decision to join the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) was informed by what he described as Nigeria’s worsening condition and the urgent need for reform.
Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, announced that he moved to the NDC alongside Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, emphasizing that the shift was not rooted in personal ambition but in a continued commitment to national transformation.
“Yesterday, I formally joined the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), alongside my dear brother… with one clear purpose: to continue the struggle for a new Nigeria built on justice, competence, accountability, and compassion,” he said.
He stressed that his departure from ADC mirrored his earlier exit from LP, blaming “severe, orchestrated litigation and internal crises” that he believes were deliberately designed to weaken his political participation.
“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… do not effectively participate in the electoral process,” Obi stated.
Despite his exit, Obi expressed gratitude to key figures within the ADC, including former Senate President David Mark, and acknowledged the support of Atiku Abubakar and other party leaders.
The former presidential contender also used the opportunity to call on the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to avoid actions that could undermine opposition parties, warning that democracy must not be manipulated through legal or institutional pressures.
“Democracy must never become a weapon against the people. A healthy democracy thrives on strong institutions… Opposition parties must not be weakened or destroyed,” he said.
Obi painted a grim picture of Nigeria’s current socio-economic realities, citing rising poverty, widespread hunger, insecurity, and declining business activity as indicators of a nation in distress.
“Nigeria today is passing through one of the most difficult periods in its history… leadership must be driven not by propaganda or division, but by competence, capacity, character, and compassion,” he added.
He maintained that joining the NDC represents a continuation—not a departure—from his long-held political ideals.
“Our decision to join the NDC is… a continuation of the same mission we have always stood for: building a Nigeria where leadership is about service,” Obi said.
Obi concluded by urging Nigerians, particularly young people and women, to remain hopeful and engaged despite current challenges.
“Nations do not change because people surrender to hopelessness; they change because people continue to believe… and stand for what is right,” he said.
