The former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has urged the Federal Government to desist from allegedly encouraging litigation within opposition parties, warning that such actions undermine Nigeria’s democracy.
ThelensNG reports that Obi and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) on Sunday after leaving the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Obi revealed that their decision to join the NDC was driven by a clear purpose — to continue the struggle for a new Nigeria built on justice, competence, accountability, and compassion for ordinary citizens.
He stressed that the move was not motivated by anger, personal ambition, or convenience, but followed deep reflection on Nigeria’s current condition and the urgent need to redirect the country from what he described as a dangerous path.
“Over the years, I have remained steadfast in my conviction that 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.
“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.
Obi expressed appreciation to the leadership of the ADC for the opportunity to serve, particularly thanking the party’s chairman, Senator David Mark, for his leadership. He also acknowledged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other party leaders.
“As we join the NDC, I sincerely appeal to the Nigerian Government against the encouragement of unresolved litigations and the infusion of crises within political 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 stated.
He warned that opposition parties must not be weakened or destroyed, stressing that when democracy loses balance, the people ultimately suffer.
Obi further noted that Nigeria is currently facing 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. Our young people are becoming discouraged, and many citizens have lost faith in the system.”
According to him, leadership at such a critical time must be driven not by propaganda or division, but by competence, capacity, character, and compassion.
He reiterated that his decision, alongside Kwankwaso, to join the NDC is not an abandonment of their values, but a continuation of their long-standing mission to build a Nigeria where leadership is rooted in service, public resources are responsibly managed, institutions function independently, and citizens can live with dignity, security, and hope.
Obi reaffirmed his commitment to working with Nigerians across political, ethnic, and religious lines, acknowledging that the task ahead is bigger than any individual or political party.
“It is about the future of our children and the survival of our dear nation,” he said, while thanking Nigerians, especially young people and women, for remaining peaceful, resilient, and hopeful despite the country’s challenges.
Obi urged them not to lose faith in Nigeria, emphasising that nations do not change because people surrender to hopelessness.
He added that nations change because people continue to believe, continue to sacrifice, and continue to stand for what is right.
