Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has criticised Nigeria’s political landscape, alleging that politicians facing corruption allegations are often perceived as being cleared of wrongdoing once they defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Obi made the remarks during an appearance on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme aired on Sunday, July 26, where he also expressed concern over what he described as the absence of ideology among Nigeria’s political parties.
According to the former Anambra State governor, politics in the country has become driven largely by personal interests rather than principles or policy-based convictions.
Obi argued that no political party in Nigeria currently operates on a clear ideological foundation, adding that the perception surrounding politicians who join the APC reinforces that view.
He claimed that politicians accused of corruption often appear to lose that label after defecting to the ruling party, a situation he said reflects the country’s ideological shortcomings.
The former presidential candidate maintained that Nigeria’s priority should be electing leaders who possess competence, integrity, compassion and a genuine commitment to national development, rather than politicians who frequently switch political parties for personal advantage.
Obi also accused the APC-led administration of weakening opposition parties, alleging that the internal crises affecting the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and previously the Labour Party (LP) were not coincidental.
He further alleged that the government was interfering with institutions, including the judiciary, in ways that undermine the opposition.
According to Obi, if elected president, he would ensure opposition parties operate freely without interference from the government or regulatory agencies, describing a vibrant opposition as essential to a healthy democracy.
He also dismissed suggestions that endorsements from state governors would guarantee President Bola Tinubu victory in the 2027 general election, arguing that the political preferences of governors do not necessarily reflect the wishes of the electorate in their respective states.