2027: Peter Obi influenced my move to NDC, says House of Reps member

Hon. Chinedu Obika, member representing AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has revealed that Peter Obi influenced his decision to join the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

Obika, who was elected on the platform of the Labour Party (LP) in 2023, spoke with journalists in Abuja on Tuesday.

The lawmaker said he remained in the LP despite the party’s prolonged internal crisis because of his loyalty to Obi.

His words: “My position was clear. I was never going to leave the Labour Party unless our leader, Peter Obi, left.

“I waited for months, even when many members had already moved because I believed in his vision and leadership.”

Obika said the leadership crisis within the LP created uncertainty for members and candidates across the country.

The lawmaker said Obi’s alignment with the emerging NDC coalition influenced many of his supporters to move in the same direction.

According to him, politics should be driven by ideology, competence and leadership rather than party labels.

“When we talk about a new Nigeria, we must support people who truly believe in transformation and national development.

“For me, Peter Obi remains one of the few politicians with genuine organic support across the country,” he said.

Obika also called for greater cooperation among opposition politicians and parties ahead of future elections.

“This is not the time for unnecessary divisions. People who believe in the progress of this country must come together and support a common vision for Nigeria,” he said.

The lawmaker urged politicians across the All Progressives Congress (APC), LP, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the NDC to focus on governance and national development.

He dismissed criticism over his defection, saying political realignments were common in Nigeria’s democracy.