Former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, says his defection from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) was driven by the urgent need to rescue Nigeria from deepening national crises.
He made this known in a statement released via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday 4 May.
Obi, who announced his formal entry into the NDC alongside former Kano State Governor, Engr. Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, said the move was the outcome of deep reflection on Nigeria’s current state and the direction of its governance.
According to him, the decision was not motivated by anger, ambition, or convenience, but by a conviction that Nigeria is at a critical point requiring justice, competence, accountability, and compassion in leadership.
The former Anambra State governor said politics, in his view, must remain about citizens rather than personal ambition, stressing that millions of Nigerians are currently facing worsening economic hardship, collapsing businesses, declining opportunities, and shrinking hope for the future.
Obi also cited recurring internal crises and litigation in political parties as a recurring factor in his political movements, alleging that such challenges have often hindered effective participation in the electoral process.
He expressed appreciation to the leadership of the ADC, particularly its chairman, Senator David Mark, as well as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other party leaders, for their roles and engagement.
He urged government and political actors to desist from actions that encourage unresolved legal disputes and internal instability within parties, warning that weakening opposition structures undermines democratic balance.
“Democracy must never become a weapon against the people,” he said, adding that credible opposition and strong institutions remain essential for national stability and citizen choice.
Obi lamented Nigeria’s worsening economic and security situation, citing rising poverty, hunger, insecurity, business closures, and declining public confidence, while calling for leadership anchored on competence, character, and compassion.
He maintained that his move to the NDC is a continuation of his political mission, not a departure from it, insisting that Nigeria must be governed in a way that guarantees dignity, security, and hope for all citizens regardless of background.
He also commended Nigerians, especially youths and women, for their resilience in the face of hardship, urging them not to lose faith in the country.
“Nations do not change because people surrender to hopelessness. They change because people continue to believe, sacrifice, and stand for what is right,” he said.
