Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has announced his resignation from the African Democratic Congress, citing rising internal crises, external interference and what he described as a toxic political environment.
Obi disclosed his decision in a lengthy statement posted on his official X account on Sunday morning, saying he could no longer remain in a political space plagued by division and distractions.
The former Anambra State governor said the same forces that allegedly created instability within the Labour Party had now found their way into the ADC.
He wrote, “Let me state clearly: my decision to leave the ADC is not because our highly respected Chairman, Senator David Mark, treated me badly, nor because my leader and elder brother, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, or any other respected leaders did anything personally wrong to me. I will continue to respect them.”
“However, the same Nigerian state and its agents that created unnecessary crises and hostility within the Labour Party that forced me to leave now appear to be finding their way into the ADC, with endless court cases, internal battles, suspicion, and division.”
He added that politics in Nigeria had increasingly shifted from service to control and exclusion.
“Instead of focusing on deeper national problems, we are playing politics built more on control and exclusion than on service and nation-building,” Obi stated.
The former governor also opened up on what he described as the emotional and personal burdens of trying to serve Nigeria in difficult circumstances.
“Many people do not truly understand the silent pains some of us carry daily — the private struggles, emotional burdens and quiet battles we face while trying to survive and serve sincerely in difficult circumstances,” he wrote.
He lamented that some people who publicly identify with him often distance themselves privately or become part of the criticism against him.
“Some who publicly identify with you privately distance themselves or join in unfair criticism,” he said.
Obi also criticised what he called a toxic system where humility is seen as weakness and compassion is viewed as foolishness.
“We live in a society where humility is mistaken for weakness, respect is seen as lack of courage and compassion is treated as foolishness,” he added.
The former presidential candidate stressed that he has never used power or privilege to oppress others.
“Personally, I have never looked down on anyone except to uplift them. I have never used privilege, position or resources to oppress others,” he said.
Despite his exit from the ADC, Obi insisted he was not desperate for political office.
“Let me assure all that I am not desperate to be President, Vice President or Senate President,” he said.
“I am desperate to see a society that can console a mother whose child has been kidnapped or killed while going to school or work. I am desperate to see a Nigeria where people will not live in IDP camps but in their homes.”
He also spoke on hunger and economic hardship in the country.
“I am desperate for a country where Nigerian citizens do not go to bed hungry, not knowing where their next meal will come from,” he stated.
Obi, however, maintained that he remains hopeful about Nigeria’s future despite the political setbacks.
“Yet, despite everything, I remain resolute. I firmly believe that Nigeria can still become a country with competent leadership based on justice, compassion and equal opportunity for all.
“A new Nigeria is possible.”
