FCT Representative says he joined NDC because of Obi

The Federal Representative for AMAC/Bwari, Chinedu Obika, explained that his move to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) was motivated by the political direction set by Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

Obika, who secured his seat in the 2023 elections on the Labour Party ticket, said he stayed with the party throughout its prolonged internal crisis out of loyalty to Obi and confidence in his leadership.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, the lawmaker defended his recent realignment and called on opposition politicians and Nigerians to cooperate ahead of upcoming elections.

“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,” he said.

The representative noted that the turmoil within the Labour Party created uncertainty for members and candidates nationwide, especially regarding party structures and internal leadership disputes.

Since the 2023 general elections, the Labour Party has been mired in leadership battles and legal challenges that have spurred defections and deepened internal divisions.

Obika said Obi’s alignment with the emerging NDC coalition prompted many of his supporters to follow suit, aiming to sustain what he described as a broader national movement.

He argued that politics should be guided more by ideology, competence and leadership than by 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 stated.

He also emphasized the importance of opposition parties and like‑minded political actors uniting for the sake of national development.

“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 added.

Obika urged politicians and supporters from all parties—including the All Progressives Congress, Labour Party, All Progressives Grand Alliance and the NDC—to prioritize unity and focus on governance rather than partisan rivalry.

He dismissed criticism of his shift across political platforms, contending that realignments are a normal part of Nigeria’s democratic process and should not distract from governance and service delivery.

The lawmaker maintained that elected officials should be evaluated on their performance and impact on citizens’ lives.

Highlighting his legislative work, Obika said he had sponsored bills on the resettlement and compensation of original Federal Capital Territory inhabitants, the creation of the FCT Scholarship Board, and the establishment of the FCT School of Nursing and Midwifery.

He also listed constituency projects undertaken under his tenure, such as school renovations, scholarship schemes, vocational training programmes, women‑empowerment initiatives, borehole rehabilitation and rural infrastructure development.

According to him, more than 400 constituents benefited from empowerment programmes that provided vocational tools and equipment, and several students obtained scholarships both within Nigeria and abroad.

“At the end of the day, it is the people that will decide who represents them. What matters most is service, impact, and commitment to the welfare of the people,” he concluded.