A lawmaker representing an Abuja constituency has defended his three defections in recent times, urging constituents to focus on his performance, not his political platform
A member of the House of Representatives representing Abuja Municipal/Bwari Federal Constituency, Joshua Chinedu Obika, has defended his movement across political parties, saying his decisions were shaped by political realities and loyalty to the “New Nigeria” movement championed by former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
Obika spoke amid criticism trailing his movement from the Labour Party to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and later to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), insisting that Nigerians should focus more on the performance of elected officials rather than their party affiliations.
The lawmaker said the internal crisis within the Labour Party weakened its structure and undermined its effectiveness, citing the failure of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to upload some candidates during Area Council elections.
According to him, the development created uncertainty among party members and supporters who feared the Labour Party could no longer serve as a viable platform ahead of future elections.
Obika said he initially resisted leaving the party out of loyalty to Obi, whom he described as his political leader, adding that he only reconsidered his position after it became clear that the former Anambra State governor had aligned with the ADC coalition.
He, however, expressed reservations about the coalition arrangement, alleging that many of those behind it were long-time political associates of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
The lawmaker argued that many supporters feared Obi might eventually fail to secure the party’s presidential ticket, a situation he said could divide supporters and threaten the political future of candidates contesting under the platform.
“When we are preaching for a New Nigeria, we cannot use old wine to mix with new wine,” he said.
Obika maintained that Obi and former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso remain the two politicians with the strongest organic support base committed to national transformation, stressing that both men needed to work together for Nigeria’s progress.
He disclosed that he temporarily joined the APC because the party appeared more stable while the Labour Party crisis persisted, but later moved to the ADC after Obi eventually joined the coalition.
Defending his multiple defections, Rep. Obika said politicians sometimes needed to move across parties to remain politically relevant and pursue their objectives.
“Even Peter Obi has crossed several parties. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has also done same. What matters is identifying people who are committed to the betterment of the country,” he stated.
The federal lawmaker accused political opponents of sponsoring attacks against him to tarnish his reputation ahead of future elections, insisting that attention should instead be placed on his record in office.
Highlighting his legislative interventions, Obika listed several bills aimed at addressing long-standing challenges in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The proposed legislations include bills seeking to establish an Original Inhabitants Resettlement and Compensation Agency, an FCT Scholarship Board, an FCT School of Nursing and Midwifery, and an FCT Emergency Management Agency.
He explained that the proposed compensation agency was designed to address issues surrounding demolitions, resettlement, and compensation for indigenous communities displaced by development projects in the FCT.
Obika also said the scholarship board bill was intended to promote transparency and accountability in the management of scholarship funds while reserving 30 per cent of scholarships for original inhabitants of the FCT.
On constituency projects, the lawmaker said his office had facilitated the construction and renovation of schools, the restoration of boreholes in public schools, the distribution of educational materials, and the award of scholarships for students within and outside the constituency.
According to him, more than 5,000 school bags and 15,000 books had been distributed, while dozens of students secured scholarships at the College of Education, Zuba.
He further disclosed that his office facilitated foreign scholarships for about 50 youths to study medicine, engineering, and other courses in Russia through partnerships with international organisations and private individuals.
The lawmaker also highlighted empowerment programmes involving the distribution of sewing machines, tricycles, block moulding machines, laundry equipment, and other tools to more than 400 beneficiaries.
Obika added that roads in rural communities had been graded to improve access ahead of the rainy season, while a bridge linking a community in Kagini to a junior secondary school was nearing completion.
He urged politicians across party lines to unite ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing that Nigerians were more interested in leaders who could deliver development than party labels.
“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,” he said.
