Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has opened up on the reasons behind his decision to leave the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and join the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) alongside former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
In a detailed statement shared on X on Monday, Obi said the move was not driven by anger, personal ambition, or political convenience, but by a renewed commitment to building a better Nigeria.
“Yesterday, I formally joined the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), alongside my dear brother, Engr. Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, with one clear purpose: to continue the struggle for a new Nigeria built on justice, competence, accountability, and compassion for the ordinary Nigerian,” he said.According to him, the decision followed careful reflection on the country’s current challenges and the urgent need to redirect its trajectory.
“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,” Obi added.
Obi stressed that his political journey has always been about service to the people rather than personal gain.
“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,” he stated.
Explaining his exit from the ADC, Obi alleged that persistent internal crises and legal battles were deliberately orchestrated to frustrate his participation, similar to his experience in the Labour Party.
“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,” he said.
Despite his departure, Obi expressed gratitude to the ADC leadership, particularly the party’s chairman, Senator David Mark, as well as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, for their support.
“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 noted.
Obi also cautioned against what he described as the growing trend of weakening opposition parties through unresolved litigations and political interference.
“Democracy must never become a weapon against the people. A healthy democracy thrives on strong institutions, credible alternatives, and the freedom of citizens to make choices without intimidation, manipulation, or fear,” he warned.
Highlighting the current state of the nation, Obi said Nigeria is facing one of its most difficult periods.
“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,” he said.
Obi maintained that joining the NDC represents a continuation of his long-standing mission to promote responsible governance and national development.
“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,” he added.
He urged Nigerians, especially youths and women, to remain hopeful despite the challenges.
“I urge you not to lose faith in Nigeria. Nations do not change because people surrender to hopelessness; they change because people continue to believe, continue to sacrifice, and continue to stand for what is right,” Obi said.
