Peter Obi, former presidential candidate, has announced his departure from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing structural issues and escalating internal crises in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Obi voiced his intense dissatisfaction with what he called a “toxic” political environment characterized by intimidation, insecurity, and ongoing internal strife in a statement posted on Sunday via his verified X (previously Twitter) account.
The former governor of Anambra State claimed that personal grudges against the Opposition coalition’s leadership had no bearing on his decision to leave the party. He explicitly cleared important party leaders of any misconduct.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“We live in a society where humility is mistaken for weakness, respect is seen as a lack of courage, and compassion is treated as foolishness.
“I have never looked down on anyone except to uplift them. I have never used privilege, position, or resources to oppress others, intimidate the weak, or make people feel small. To me, leadership has always been about service, sacrifice, and helping others rise.
The former governor also criticized what he believes to be the nation’s misguided objectives, pointing out that governments sometimes prioritize political dominance over solving urgent national problems.
There are moments I ask God in prayer: Why is doing the right thing often misconstrued as wrongdoing in our country? Why is integrity not valued?” he queried.
“Let me assure all that I am not desperate to be President, Vice President, or Senate President. 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,” he said.
“I am desperate to see a Nigeria where people will not live in IDP camps but in their homes, a country where Nigerian citizens do not go to bed hungry.
“I firmly believe that Nigeria can still become a country with competent leadership based on justice, compassion, and equal opportunity for all,” Obi concluded.
What is next for Peter Obi?
The former governor of Anambra state is now expected to join the Nigeria Democratic Party which was created by former Bayelsa state governor Seriake Dickson.
