Former lawmaker, Senator Dino Melaye, has criticised former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, over his decision to defect from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Obi, alongside his prospective running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, left the ADC on Sunday following a prolonged leadership crisis and ongoing litigations within the party. Their defection has since triggered a wave of movements from the ADC to the NDC.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Melaye accused Obi of avoiding competitive primary elections, suggesting that his exit from the ADC was due to an inability to withstand internal party challenges. He questioned Obi’s capacity to handle national issues if he could not navigate party-level crises.
Melaye further alleged that Obi prefers less competitive political arrangements, claiming he has historically benefited from uncontested nominations. He cited Obi’s emergence as governor under APGA, his vice-presidential candidacy under Atiku Abubakar in the PDP, and his presidential ticket with the Labour Party as examples.
He added that Obi’s alleged reluctance to participate in primary elections contributed to his departure from both the PDP and the ADC, claiming that his move to the NDC was in search of another uncontested opportunity. Melaye also alleged that the NDC operates as an extension of the APC.
