Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has announced his resignation from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), attributing his decision to escalating internal crises within the party and persistent challenges in Nigeria’s political landscape.
In a statement posted on X on Sunday, Obi said his exit followed “deep personal reflection” and what he described as “silent pains” endured while engaging in the country’s political system.
“We now live in an environment that has become increasingly toxic, where the system that should protect and create opportunities often works against the people,” he stated.
Obi lamented that Nigeria’s political space has become defined by intimidation, insecurity, and distrust—factors he believes discourage genuine public service and reform efforts.
He further disclosed that he had faced internal pressure and unfair criticism within political circles he once joined in pursuit of collective progress.
“Some who publicly identify with you privately distance themselves or join in unfair criticism,” he said, adding that “humility is often mistaken for weakness in our political culture.”
The former Anambra State governor clarified that his decision to leave the ADC was not due to any personal grievances with party leaders, including former Senate President David Mark and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, both of whom he said he holds in high regard.
“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,” Obi noted. “I will continue to respect them.”
He explained that his departure was largely influenced by what he described as the infiltration of unresolved political conflicts into the party, including ongoing legal disputes and internal divisions that have shifted focus away from national development.
“Endless court cases, internal battles, suspicion, and division have taken precedence over addressing deeper national problems,” he said, warning that politics in Nigeria is increasingly driven by “control and exclusion rather than service and nation-building.”
Obi also dismissed speculation about personal political ambition, stressing that his priorities lie in improving the lives of Nigerians.
“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 said.
Despite his exit from the ADC, Obi reiterated his optimism about the country’s future.
“A new Nigeria is possible,” he declared.
Source: Punch Online
