Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has explained the reasons behind his decision to dump the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), citing Nigeria’s worsening condition and what he described as deliberate efforts to sideline him politically.
In a statement released on Monday, Obi said his exit from ADC followed “deep reflection” on the state of the nation and the urgent need to reposition his political engagement.
“The condition of our nation and the urgent need to rescue Nigeria informed my decision to leave ADC for NDC,” he said.
Obi confirmed that he formally joined the NDC alongside Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, noting that the move was driven by a shared commitment to building a new Nigeria anchored on justice, competence, accountability, and compassion.
“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 for the ordinary Nigerian,” he stated.
Addressing speculation surrounding his defection, Obi insisted the decision was neither driven by personal ambition nor anger.
“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 said.
He further alleged that internal crises and legal battles within ADC were orchestrated to frustrate 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 departure, he expressed appreciation to the party’s leadership, particularly its chairman, David Mark, for what he described as “exceptional leadership,” and also acknowledged Atiku Abubakar and other stakeholders for their support.
Obi warned against actions capable of undermining democracy, urging the government to desist from encouraging internal crises within opposition parties.
“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 said.
He lamented Nigeria’s current socio-economic realities, highlighting rising poverty, hunger, insecurity, and declining public confidence in governance.
“Nigeria today is passing through one of the most difficult periods in its history… Our young people are becoming discouraged, and many citizens have lost faith in the system,” he noted.
Obi maintained that his move to the NDC represents continuity in his political mission rather than a shift in values.
“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… and where every Nigerian… can live with dignity, security, and hope,” he said.
He urged Nigerians, particularly youths and women, to remain resilient and committed to national progress.
“Nations do not change because people surrender to hopelessness; they change because people continue to believe… A new Nigeria is still possible.”
