Peter Obi has defended his record of switching political parties, claiming that he leaves when a party abandons its principles and begins to focus on transactions and personal interests.
The former Labour Party presidential candidate spoke on Arise TV on Monday, explaining why he has switched parties several times.
Obi stated that his first transition from the APGA to the PDP was motivated by a disagreement with his successor as Anambra governor.
He stated that he preferred to leave rather than let the conflict undermine the state’s government.
“I moved from APGA to the PDP because of issues with my successor. Rather than allow it to become destructive to governance, I moved out,” he said.
He stated that the PDP offered no better environment, describing the party as one where members ignored rules and reduced politics to a game of favors.
“People were not playing by the rules. It was transactional. I cannot be part of a transactional system,” Obi said.
He also cited internal crises and legal conflicts within the Labour Party as factors reducing its viability as a platform.
Obi is currently collaborating with opposition individuals affiliated with the African Democratic Congress in an effort to form a united front ahead of future elections.
He acknowledged public concerns about some of his new partners but stated that their previous affiliations were less essential than their current commitments.
“What is important is not what people were yesterday, but what they are today,” he said.
He stated that the overarching purpose was to develop an opposition capable of providing Nigerians with accountable leadership, and he cautioned that no matter what difficulties arose, he would not give up.
“We are ready to work with people who are committed to change. If the process is compromised again, we will continue the fight,” he said.
Obi also called the current political system one founded on crime that needs to be abolished.
“We must dismantle this criminality that exists today,” he said.
Obi formally enrolled as an ADC member on March 7, completing his registration in his birthplace of Agulu, Anaocha Local Government Area, Anambra State, as part of the party’s membership registration and mobilization exercise across the state’s 21 local government areas.
At the occasion, he stated that the Southeast was working as a bloc for the 2027 elections and urged supporters to mobilize voters on the ground.
“In this particular journey of 2027, we in the Southeast are working as a family, and we are discussing with other regions. We are working to unite all opposition. The common goal is to create a new Nigeria,” he said.
