By Gloria Ikibah
A member of the House of Representatives representing Abuja Municipal Area Council/Bwari Federal Constituency, Joshua Chinedu Obika, has defended his movement between political parties, arguing that shifting alliances reflect changing political conditions rather than a lack of consistency.
His position comes amid criticism over his transition from the Labour Party to the All Progressives Congress, and later to the National Democratic Coalition. 
He maintained that voters should focus more on the performance and tangible impact of elected officials than on the platforms under which they contest elections.
At a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, Rep. Obika pointed to prolonged internal disputes within the Labour Party as a key factor behind his decision, noting that the crisis weakened the party’s structure and created uncertainty for its members. He referenced challenges encountered during area council elections in the Federal Capital Territory, including administrative setbacks involving the Independent National Electoral Commission, as further signs of organisational strain.
According to him, the instability raised concerns about the party’s ability to serve as a reliable platform in future electoral contests, prompting many members and supporters to reconsider their options.
Although he initially resisted leaving the party out of loyalty to Peter Obi, whom he regards as a key political figure, he said his stance shifted once it became evident that Obi had aligned with the coalition built around the NDC.
Even so, he expressed caution about the coalition’s internal dynamics, citing concerns that several influential figures involved have longstanding ties to Atiku Abubakar. He suggested that uncertainties over leadership within the alliance could create divisions among supporters and complicate prospects for candidates running under its banner.
“When we are preaching for a New Nigeria, we cannot use old wine to mix with new wine,” Obika stated.
He also argued that Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso command some of the most committed grassroots followings in the country, suggesting that closer cooperation between them could advance national cohesion and reform efforts.
The lawmaker explained that his brief move to the All Progressives Congress was influenced by its relative stability at a time when the Labour Party was grappling with internal disputes. He later aligned with the National Democratic Coalition following Obi’s decision to join the platform.
In defending his switches, he maintained that political realignments are a common feature of Nigeria’s democratic landscape, with politicians often changing platforms in response to evolving circumstances while seeking to remain relevant and pursue their political objectives.
“Even Peter Obi has crossed several parties. President Bola Tinubu has also done same. What matters is identifying people who are committed to the betterment of the country,” he said.
Obika also accused political opponents of sponsoring attacks against him in an attempt to damage his reputation ahead of future elections. According to him, the focus of public discourse should instead be on the quality of representation and tangible impact delivered to constituents.
Highlighting his legislative achievements at the National Assembly, the lawmaker listed several bills aimed at addressing long-standing developmental and social challenges in the Federal Capital Territory.
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 further stated that the scholarship board bill seeks to institutionalise transparency and accountability in the management of scholarship funds while reserving 30 percent of scholarship opportunities for original inhabitants of the FCT.
On constituency interventions, the lawmaker said his office had facilitated the construction and renovation of schools, rehabilitation of boreholes in public schools, distribution of educational materials, and scholarship opportunities for students within and outside the constituency.
According to him, over 5,000 school bags and 15,000 books have been distributed to students, while dozens of beneficiaries have been placed on scholarship at the College of Education, Zuba.
He further revealed that his office secured foreign scholarship opportunities for about 50 youths to study medicine, engineering, and other professional courses in Russia through partnerships with international organisations and private collaborators.
The lawmaker also highlighted several empowerment initiatives undertaken by his office, including the distribution of sewing machines, tricycles, block-moulding machines, laundry equipment, and other vocational tools to more than 400 beneficiaries.
Obika added that rural roads across parts of the constituency had been graded to improve accessibility ahead of the rainy season, while a bridge connecting a community in Kagini to a junior secondary school was nearing completion.
He called on politicians across party lines to unite ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that Nigerians are more concerned about leadership, development, and improved living conditions than political affiliations.
“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.
