NDC Lawmaker Defends Party Switches, Urges Focus on Performance Over Platforms

By Ifeyinwa Ike

Joshua Chinedu Obika, representing Abuja Municipal/Bwari Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives has justified his shifts from Labour Party (LP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) then to Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), attributing them to political realities and loyalty to the New Nigeria vision of Peter Obi, ex-Labour Party presidential candidate.

Speaking amid backlash, Obika argued that Nigerians should prioritise lawmakers’ delivery over party labels. He blamed Labour Party’s internal crisis which crippled its structure and led to Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s failure to upload some Area Council candidates for creating uncertainty ahead of elections.

He stayed loyal to Obi initially but left when Obi joined the ADC coalition, which he viewed skeptically due to ties to Atiku Abubakar’s allies. Supporters worried Obi might miss the presidential ticket, splitting the base.

“When we are preaching for a New Nigeria, we cannot use old wine to mix with new wine,” Obika said.

He praised Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as top organic support leaders for transformation, urging their alliance.
Obika briefly joined stable APC during LP turmoil, then ADC post-Obi’s move.

Defending switches, he noted, “Even Peter Obi has crossed several parties. President Bola Tinubu has also done same. What matters is identifying people committed to the country’s betterment.”

He accused rivals of smear campaigns pre-2027 elections, insisting scrutiny should target his record.

Highlighted his achievements at the National Assembly, Obika listed key bills to include establishing an Original Inhabitants Resettlement and Compensation Agency for FCT demolitions/resettlement; FCT Scholarship Board (30% for originals, transparent funds); FCT School of Nursing and Midwifery; and FCT Emergency Management Agency.

Constituency efforts:, school builds/renos, borehole fixes, 5,000+ school bags, 15,000 books, scholarships at College of Education Zuba; 50 youths on foreign scholarships (medicine, engineering in Russia via partners); empowerment for 400+ with sewing machines, tricycles, block moulders, laundry gear.

Infrastructure: rural road grading pre-rainy season; Kagini community bridge to junior secondary school near completion.

Obika called for cross-party unity by 2027, “The issue is not who crossed from one party to another. The issue should be what impact has been made on the lives of the people.”