Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has announced his exit from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing internal disputes, court cases, and what he described as a toxic political environment.
In a statement released on Sunday morning via his personal X handle, Obi said his decision followed deep reflection after attending church service.
“Fellow Nigerians, good morning. I woke up this morning after my church service with a deeply reflective heart, and despite every constraint, I felt compelled to share these thoughts with you,” he said.
Obi described the pressures of public life, saying many people do not understand the emotional and personal burdens faced by those trying to serve sincerely, saying Nigeria’s environment has become increasingly hostile, with insecurity, intimidation, and scrutiny now part of everyday life.
“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.
“We now live in an environment that has become increasingly toxic, where the very system that should protect and create opportunities for decent living often works against the people—a society where intimidation, insecurity, endless scrutiny, and discouragement have become normal
Obi also lamented what he called betrayal and criticism from some associates, stating, “More painful is when some of those you associate with, believing you would find understanding and solidarity among them, become part of the pressure you face. Some who publicly identify with you privately distance themselves or join in unfair criticism.
“Personally, 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.”
Clarifying his departure, Obi said his decision was not due to personal grievances against ADC National Chairman, David Mark; former Vice President Atiku Abubakar or any other leaders in the party.
“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.”
According to him, the same issues that affected his time in the Labour Party are beginning to emerge in the ADC, blaming agents of the Nigerian state for what he described as “unnecessary crises and hostility.”
“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, instead of focusing on deeper national problems and playing politics built more on control and exclusion than on service and nation-building.
“Even within spaces where one labours sincerely, one is sometimes treated like an outsider in one’s own home. You and your team become easy targets for every failure, frustration, or misunderstanding, as though honest contribution has become a favour being tolerated rather than appreciated.
“And when you choose to leave so that those you are leaving can have peace, and you step out into the cold, you are still maligned and your character is questioned.”
The presidential hopeful stressed that he has no personal ambition for high office but remains focused on national issues, adding that despite his exit from the ADC, Obi said he remains hopeful about the country’s future.
“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.
“I am desperate to see a Nigeria where people will not live in IDP camps but in their homes. I am desperate for a country where Nigerian citizens do not go to bed hungry, not knowing where their next meal will come from.”
“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.”
