Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has formally joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), urging party members to avoid internal disputes and focus on building a united political platform.
Obi defected to the NDC with Rabiu Kwankwanso due to what they described as internal crisis within their former party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Addressing members on Sunday night after registering with the party, Obi said the NDC must steer clear of the internal crises and litigations that plagued his previous political platforms.
He warned against taking party matters to court, saying such actions weaken parties, distracting them from national issues.
“We don’t want cases. Party members, please don’t go to court. We want to build a party,” he said.
REASON FOR DEFECTION
Obi said his decision to join the NDC followed unresolved internal disputes in other parties, which he blamed on persistent political interference.
“The government of today has ensured crises upon crises, which led to litigations and even where we moved to, the same problems followed,” he said.
He appealed to the judiciary to help reduce political litigation.
“We are pleading with the judiciary, please end cases in parties so we can focus on building a new Nigeria,” he said.
Obi said the party’s focus should be on governance and addressing the country’s challenges, including insecurity, poverty and economic decline.
“We want to spend our time dealing with issues affecting ordinary Nigerians, not fighting ourselves,” he said.
He also emphasised the need for inclusion, particularly for women.
“When I say let the woman speak, it shows this party will support affirmative action for women,” he said.
Obi said the NDC aims to build a country where citizens can thrive based on merit.
“We want to build a country where a child of nobody can be somebody without knowing anybody,” he said.
He expressed optimism that the party would provide a platform to address Nigeria’s challenges and urged supporters to join.
“This ship is about to sail. Please do everything possible to join,” he added.