Former presidential candidate and 2027 presidential hopeful, Mr. Peter Obi has spoken after attending the first convention of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Abuja.
Obi, who recently joined the NDC from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), said the convention reflected the determination of Nigerians to seek change in the country.
Quoting former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, Obi wrote: “Some men change their party for the sake of their principles; others change their principles for the sake of their party.”
Speaking via a social media post after the convention held on Saturday, Obi said: “Today, May 9th, I attended the 1st convention of my latest party, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Abuja, Nigeria. The convention was successful and continued to show the resilience of Nigerians to change.”
He thanked the party leadership for receiving him and his supporters warmly.
“I express my sincere appreciation and gratitude to the NDC family, led by the distinguished Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, for inviting us and for the generosity of spirit with which they have accommodated us at this critical moment in our national journey,” Obi stated.
The former Anambra State governor also appreciated the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Senate President David Mark for their support during the political crisis involving the Labour Party (LP) and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).
“I also wish to express profound gratitude to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), particularly Distinguished Senator David Mark, for providing a democratic platform and showing uncommon understanding when the ongoing litigation forced us out of the Labour Party and the New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP respectively,” he said.
Obi used the opportunity to speak on the state of the nation, warning that Nigeria’s democracy was under pressure.
“Today, the most painful aspect of our political existence is that many who once benefited from democratic governance have now become willing accessories to the destruction of democracy itself,” Obi said.
“Those who once fought for justice now openly celebrate electoral injustice. Those who once spoke against impunity now defend coercion, manipulation, intimidation, and outright political gangsterism, especially against opposition voices.”
He added: “Nigeria today stands at a dangerous crossroads. Our democracy is under severe threat. Our nation is drifting without direction, and our people are passing through immense suffering.”
Obi also spoke about poverty, insecurity and unemployment in the country.
“Today, over 140 million Nigerians live in multidimensional poverty. Tens of millions of young people remain unemployed or underemployed. Inflation continues to crush families. Businesses are shutting down. Farmers can no longer safely access their farms,” he said.
The former governor called on Nigerians to unite and work towards rebuilding the country.
“Our choice as a people is therefore clear: whether to surrender to despair and national decline, or to summon the courage to rescue our country and rebuild it on the foundations of unity, equity, justice, competence, and productivity,” Obi stated.
He concluded by expressing hope for a better Nigeria.
“I remain convinced that a new Nigeria is possible, a Nigeria that is united, secure, productive, inclusive, and governed by justice and fairness.”
