Former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, has appreciated the leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the opportunity to be part of the party.
He also appreciated the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by Senator David Mark for providing a democratic platform that accommodated opposition members in the country.
Speaking in a statement released via his 𝕏 account on Saturday, shortly after the first National Convention of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Obi disclosed that he and former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, were forced out of the Labour Party and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), respectively, by ongoing litigation.
He, however, lamented that some people who once benefited from the democratic governance in Nigeria are acting in a way capable of destroying the nation’s democracy.
Obi stated that the current political leadership in the country are out to frustrate opposition voices, noting that such action must not be allowed to succeed.
According to him, Nigeria’s democracy is at a dangerous crossroads and the opposition must come together to rescue the country.
“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
“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.
“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. That spirit of solidarity must remain the foundation upon which a better Nigeria will be built.
“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. 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. What we are witnessing is not politics; it is a systematic assault on democracy and the will of the people.
“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. Across the world, Nigeria is increasingly described as a failing and disgraced nation. This is not the destiny God ordained for our great country. It was not always so, and it must never be allowed to remain so.
“Across virtually every recognised indicator of good governance – accountability, political stability, rule of law, control of corruption, government effectiveness, regulatory quality, and the separation of powers – Nigeria continues to record alarming failures. The institutions that should protect the people are weakening daily, while the burden on ordinary citizens grows heavier with each passing moment,” he wrote.
