Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, has described internal party disagreements as a common occurrence that should not be interpreted as a crisis. Speaking in an interview with Nevon Media on Tuesday, Obi addressed concerns about recent tensions within his party and public reactions to opposition criticisms.
According to Obi, every political group experiences occasional differences and minor issues, and the key is how they are managed. He stated that such matters are often resolved internally without escalating into broader problems. “In every organisation, disagreements or minor issues are inevitable. What truly matters is the manner in which they are handled. Typically, they are resolved, and the party continues forward,” Obi explained.
He also responded to criticisms from party members like Aisha Yusuf, asserting that differing opinions and expressions of dissatisfaction are part of political engagement and do not necessarily signal a breakdown of party structure. Obi stressed that internal debate is healthy and indicative of a vibrant democratic process.
On the legal dispute involving chieftain Kenneth Okonkwo, Obi noted that the matter arose from public statements that required legal clarification. He emphasized that accountability and evidence are crucial in political communication, and leaders must be willing to be scrutinized. “Leaders should be open to examination so the public can understand our principles and what we advocate,” he said.
Obi further highlighted that future leaders must be chosen based on integrity, competence, and character rather than mere political loyalty. “It is essential that those entrusted with leadership are people of strong character, integrity, competence, and proper qualifications,” he insisted. He added that accountability in politics also means allowing past and present actions of leaders to be examined in the public interest.
Last week, Obi filed a ₦5 billion defamation lawsuit against Kenneth Okonkwo over comments made during a televised interview, where Okonkwo allegedly accused Obi of corruption and questionable political dealings, including bribery and manipulation of party primaries. Obi reiterated that such allegations must be addressed through legal channels to uphold integrity in political discourse.