African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain and one-time Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has defended his political move, stating that internal crises within the former political party forced his exit.

Speaking during an appearance on Prime Time show on Arise News Channel on Monday night, Obi accused unnamed actors within the LP of deliberately creating instability while expecting him to remain in the party and manage the fallout at his own detriment.

"They set the Labour Party on fire and expected me to remain there so the fire would burn me," Obi said.

The former Anambra State governor explained that his decision to leave the party was driven by principle, insisting that he could not be held responsible for resolving a crisis he did not create.

"When I left, they were saying if I couldn't stay and put out the same fire 'they' created," he added.

Obi, who defected to the ADC, pledged to uphold transparency and accountability. He warned that he would not hesitate to call out any irregularities within his new political platform.

"I am now in the ADC, and if the party's process is being compromised, I will speak up," he said.

The 2027 presidential hopeful also raised broader concerns about Nigeria's trajectory, urging political actors to remain focused on national interest.

"All of them can see where the country is heading," Obi stated.