Former Anambra State Governor and former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has appealed to members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress to avoid internal litigation and disputes, saying court battles could derail efforts to build a credible political alternative ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Obi made the call in remarks captured in a video that surfaced online on Sunday, shortly after he and former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, were seen receiving membership cards of the party in what appeared to signal their formal entry into the platform.

Addressing party members, Obi emphasised the importance of unity, discipline, and internal stability, noting that prolonged legal disputes have historically weakened political parties in Nigeria.

“Please let there be no litigation. Party members, please don’t go to court. We want to build a party, we are not lawyers,” he said.

“We are pleading with the judiciary. Please end cases in party so we can face the job of building a new Nigeria that is possible.”

Obi said political actors must focus on building institutions and creating opportunities for ordinary Nigerians rather than pursuing personal interests and internal conflicts.

“We want to build a country where a child of nobody can be somebody without knowing anybody. That is what we want to do,” he added.

The former governor also warned against actions capable of destabilising the party at a crucial stage of its development, suggesting that discipline would be maintained within the platform where necessary.

The development comes as opposition politicians continue consultations and political realignments aimed at forming a stronger coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.

Earlier on Sunday, Obi and Kwankwaso reportedly held a closed-door meeting with leaders of the NDC at the Abuja residence of the party’s National Leader and former Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson.

The meeting, which took place in Guzape, Abuja, is believed to be part of ongoing efforts to consolidate opposition forces and strengthen cooperation among key political figures.

Supporters under the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement were also present at the gathering, chanting in support as both leaders arrived at the venue.

The latest development follows Obi’s recent resignation from the African Democratic Congress, which he said was influenced by persistent internal crises, legal disputes, and what he described as a toxic political climate dominated by division and distractions from national issues.

Obi had maintained that his exit from the ADC was not caused by personal disagreements with party leaders but by systemic challenges that, in his view, hinder effective political organisation.

Despite the ongoing political shifts, he reiterated that his involvement in politics is motivated by concern for the welfare of Nigerians rather than personal ambition.

“I am not desperate to be President, Vice President or Senate President. I am desperate to see a Nigeria where people can live in dignity, without hunger, fear, or displacement,” he had said.

His latest appeal to members of the NDC highlights growing concerns among opposition figures over the damaging effects of intra-party litigation as they work to build a united and stable platform capable of challenging the ruling party in the next general elections.