Peter Obi defends party switches, says he rejects “transactional politics”

Peter Obi, the former Labour Party presidential candidate  has defended his history of switching political parties, insisting he rejects “transactional politics” and only exits platforms when they abandon principles, as he renews his push to build a credible opposition capable of delivering accountable leadership in Nigeria.

Speaking on Arise TV on Monday, Obi addressed criticism over his multiple defections, framing them as decisions driven by governance concerns and ideological differences rather than political opportunism. He said his political journey reflects a consistent refusal to remain in systems that undermine due process and public interest.

Obi explained that his first major switch from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) was triggered by a dispute with his successor as governor of Anambra State. He said he chose to step away rather than allow the disagreement to destabilise governance.

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“I moved from APGA to the PDP because of issues with my successor. Rather than allow it to become destructive to governance, I moved out,” he said.

However, Obi said his experience in the PDP did not meet expectations, describing the party as one where rules were often ignored and politics reduced to patronage.

“People were not playing by the rules. It was transactional. I cannot be part of a transactional system,” he said.

He also pointed to internal crises and prolonged legal disputes within the Labour Party as factors that weakened its effectiveness as a political platform. Obi, who was the party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, said these challenges contributed to his decision to seek broader alliances.

Currently, he is working with opposition figures linked to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as part of efforts to form a united front ahead of future elections. While acknowledging public doubts about some of his new allies, Obi said their past affiliations matter less than their present commitment to change.

“What is important is not what people were yesterday, but what they are today,” he said.

Beyond party politics, Obi outlined his broader vision for Nigeria, identifying a lack of unity as a key obstacle to national progress. He stressed the need to shift the economy from consumption to production, particularly by unlocking opportunities in agriculture.

“We can make more money from agriculture if we get it right,” he said, adding that investment in education and healthcare would be central to his development agenda.

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He also pledged to prioritise security, vowing to declare war on insecurity and intensify the fight against corruption. Obi expressed confidence in his ability to drive transformation across regions, including northern Nigeria, through inclusive policies and targeted investments.

Despite ongoing political uncertainties, he maintained that he remains committed to the struggle for reform and will continue pushing for systemic change regardless of obstacles.

“We are ready to work with people who are committed to change. If the process is compromised again, we will continue the fight,” he said.