Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has opened up about his history of switching political parties, offering a detailed explanation of the decisions that shaped his political journey. Speaking during a recent interview on Arise TV, Obi addressed long-standing public concerns about his movement across party lines, insisting that his actions have always been guided by principle rather than personal gain.

According to Obi, his decision to leave political parties has consistently been influenced by a breakdown in values, internal conflicts, and a shift away from governance-driven leadership to what he described as “transactional politics.” He maintained that whenever a political platform loses its commitment to fairness, accountability, and due process, it becomes difficult for him to remain.

Early Departure from APGA

Obi began by reflecting on his time with the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), where he first rose to prominence as the governor of Anambra State. He explained that his exit from the party was not driven by ambition or dissatisfaction with its ideology, but rather by a conflict involving his successor.

He noted that tensions between him and the incoming administration risked destabilizing governance in the state. Rather than allow the disagreement to escalate and negatively affect the people, Obi chose to step away.

“I made that move to protect the system,” he explained during the interview. “When leadership conflicts begin to interfere with governance, the focus shifts away from the people. I didn’t want to be part of that.”

Experience Within the PDP

Following his departure from APGA, Obi joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). However, he revealed that his experience there was far from ideal. While the party provided a new political home, Obi said he quickly became disillusioned by what he described as a lack of adherence to rules and structure.

He emphasized that the internal workings of the party often revolved around personal interests and favoritism rather than merit and transparency. This environment, he said, conflicted with his beliefs about how politics should function.

“In that system, it became more about who you know and what you can offer, rather than what is right or just,” Obi said. “Politics should not be reduced to transactions. It should be about service.”

His dissatisfaction with the PDP ultimately led to another exit, reinforcing his stance that he would not compromise his principles for political convenience.

Challenges Within the Labour Party

Obi later became a key figure in the Labour Party, where he ran as a presidential candidate. While his campaign attracted widespread support, particularly among young Nigerians, he acknowledged that the party itself faced significant internal challenges.

He pointed to ongoing crises, legal disputes, and organizational instability as factors that weakened the party’s effectiveness. According to him, these issues made it increasingly difficult to build a strong and united political front capable of driving meaningful change.

Despite the enthusiasm surrounding his candidacy, Obi admitted that structural problems within the party limited its long-term viability.

Moving Toward a New Political Alliance

Currently, Obi is working alongside other opposition figures associated with the African Democratic Congress (ADC). His involvement is part of a broader effort to unify opposition groups ahead of future elections, particularly the 2027 general elections.

He acknowledged that some members of the public have expressed concerns about the individuals he is now aligned with, especially given their past political affiliations. However, Obi urged Nigerians to focus on present intentions rather than past associations.

“What matters is what people stand for today,” he said. “We cannot build the future by being stuck in the past.”

According to him, the goal is to form a coalition that prioritizes accountability, transparency, and national development over personal or political gain.

A Call for Systemic Change

Beyond discussing his party movements, Obi also used the opportunity to criticize the broader political system, which he described as deeply flawed. He argued that corruption and inefficiency have become entrenched in governance, creating a system that does not adequately serve the people.

He stressed the need for a complete overhaul, calling for reforms that would eliminate what he termed “criminality” within the political space.

“We cannot continue with a system that rewards wrongdoing,” he said. “There must be a deliberate effort to dismantle these structures and replace them with something that works for everyone.”

Commitment to the 2027 Vision

Obi confirmed that he has officially joined the African Democratic Congress, completing his registration in his hometown of Agulu in Anambra State. The move signals his continued commitment to active political participation and his determination to remain a key player in shaping Nigeria’s future.

During the registration event, he highlighted the importance of unity, particularly among regions such as the South-East, which he said is already working collectively toward a shared political objective.

“We are coming together as one,” he stated. “And we are also reaching out to other regions to build a strong, united opposition.”

He called on his supporters to remain engaged and to focus on grassroots mobilization, emphasizing that real change begins at the community level.

Looking Ahead

Despite the challenges he has faced throughout his political career, Obi made it clear that he is not stepping back from the struggle for reform. He reiterated his willingness to collaborate with like-minded individuals and groups, provided they share a genuine commitment to change.

At the same time, he issued a warning that he would not hesitate to walk away again if the system becomes compromised.

“If the process is not right, we will keep pushing,” he said. “This is about building a better country, and that requires persistence.”

Final Thoughts

Peter Obi’s explanation sheds light on the motivations behind his political decisions, portraying a leader who prioritizes principles over loyalty to any single party. While his movements have sparked debate, he insists that each step has been guided by a desire to uphold integrity and improve governance.

As Nigeria approaches another election cycle, his role in shaping a unified opposition could prove significant. Whether his current alliances will deliver the change he envisions remains to be seen, but his message is clear: for him, politics must remain rooted in service, not self-interest.

Why I Left Different Political Parties — Peter Obi Explains His Decisions and Future Plans