Obi made the clarification on Thursday during a visit to the permanent site of the University on the Niger, where he donated ₦25 million in support of educational development.
He explained that his political decisions have consistently been guided by principles and concerns about instability within party structures rather than personal ambition or political advantage.
During the visit, Obi addressed concerns surrounding his recent political alignment, following reports of his movement from the African Democratic Congress to the Nigeria Democratic Congress.
He explained that he has never left any political party without serious reasons, particularly when internal disagreements and legal challenges begin to affect the smooth operation of those parties.
According to him, the stability of a political party is an important factor in determining his continued involvement, as unresolved conflicts can weaken the ability of such organisations to function effectively.
The former governor of Anambra State stated that if given the opportunity to lead the country as President, he would focus on building a credible and functional opposition system that can support democratic governance.
He explained that a strong opposition is essential in any democratic system because it provides accountability, encourages transparency, and ensures that government actions are properly scrutinised.
According to him, Nigeria’s political development depends not only on those in power but also on the ability of opposition parties to organise themselves in a responsible and effective manner.
Obi also expressed concern about the internal structure of political parties in Nigeria, stating that many of them are driven more by the pursuit of power than by democratic principles and ideology.
He explained that this situation often leads to internal conflicts, lack of cohesion, and disputes over leadership positions.
According to him, political parties should operate with stronger internal democracy, where members are allowed to express opinions freely and participate meaningfully in decision-making processes.
He added that tolerance and respect for differing views are essential for building stable and effective political organisations.
Speaking further during the event, Obi emphasized his commitment to education and youth development, explaining that his personal resources are often directed toward initiatives that support young people and improve access to learning opportunities.
He stated that while some individuals expect him to focus on political logistics such as funding electoral agents at polling units, he believes that investing in education has a more long-term impact on society.
According to him, empowering young people through education helps build a stronger foundation for future national development and creates opportunities for innovation and growth.
He added that citizens also have a role to play in protecting the integrity of elections, rather than relying solely on political candidates or parties.
According to him, democratic participation should involve active engagement from voters who are committed to ensuring that their choices are properly reflected during elections.
He maintained that political awareness and civic responsibility are important aspects of strengthening democracy, as they help reduce electoral malpractice and improve the credibility of election outcomes.
The visit to the University on the Niger formed part of Obi’s continued involvement in educational support initiatives across different parts of the country.
Over time, he has consistently advocated for increased investment in education, healthcare, and poverty reduction as key areas for national development.
His recent donation was presented as part of efforts to support infrastructure development in the institution and enhance learning conditions for students.
Political observers note that Obi’s comments reflect ongoing discussions within Nigeria’s political environment regarding party stability, leadership structure, and ideological direction.
The frequent movement of politicians between parties has continued to generate debate about the strength of political institutions in the country.
His remarks add to broader conversations about the need for reforms that promote internal democracy, reduce party conflicts, and encourage more issue-based politics rather than personality-driven alignments.
He said, “People expect me to save money to pay polling unit agents, but I will not do that. Nigerians should learn to protect their votes themselves. I am spending my money on education because I believe in the future of young people.”
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