A former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has explained his decision to leave the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), saying the move was driven by a renewed commitment to national transformation rather than personal ambition.
Obi announced his defection in a statement shared Monday on X, confirming that he joined the NDC alongside former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
“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,” Obi said.
He stressed that his exit from the ADC was not borne out of anger or political convenience. “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,” he added.
The former Anambra State governor said his political choices have consistently been guided by the welfare of Nigerians, particularly amid worsening economic and social conditions.
“Politics should never be about individuals, positions, or personal gain. It must be about the people—especially the millions of Nigerians who can no longer afford necessities, whose businesses are collapsing, and whose future is becoming increasingly uncertain,” Obi stated.
Providing further insight, he linked his departure from the ADC to internal crises and legal battles within opposition parties.
“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,” he said.
Obi, however, expressed appreciation to the ADC leadership, including its chairman, David Mark, and acknowledged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for their roles within the party.
He also cautioned against actions that could undermine Nigeria’s democratic system.
“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,” Obi warned.
Describing the current state of the nation as critical, he cited rising poverty, hunger, insecurity, and business failures as key concerns.
“Nigeria today is passing through one of the most difficult periods in its history… At a time like this, leadership must be driven not by propaganda or division, but by competence, capacity, character, and compassion,” he said.
Obi maintained that joining the NDC represents continuity, not a shift in principles.
“Our decision to join the NDC is not an abandonment of values, but a continuation of the same mission we have always stood for,” he added.
He concluded by urging Nigerians, particularly young people and women, to remain hopeful and engaged in nation-building.
“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.
