According to Peoples Gazette, Peter Obi, the presidential candidate on the Peoples Democratic Party platform, has left the main opposition platform.
Mr Obi's exit came on the eve of hotly contested presidential primaries, as the politician expressed fears of being humiliated at the Abuja convention.
Mr Obi confirmed his departure to Peoples Gazette on Wednesday evening, saying he became aware of a smear campaign against him. He did not reveal his next platform right away.
The development is expected to draw even more attention to the PDP's primaries this weekend in Abuja, where Mr Obi was seen as a front-runner in a race that also includes Atiku Abubakar, Nyesom Wike, Dele Momodu, Bukola Saraki, and other bigwigs.
The PDP's spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
According to a source close to the situation, Mr Obi was concerned that despite his widespread popularity and fame among ordinary Nigerians, he might not fare well at the convention.
