Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has officially announced his resignation from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing a deteriorating political environment marked by internal crises, interference, and hostility.
In a statement released Sunday through his spokesperson, Valentine Obienyem, Obi described Nigeria’s political space as increasingly “toxic,” where intimidation, insecurity, and sustained scrutiny have become entrenched features of public life.
He noted that institutions designed to protect citizens are often perceived as working against them, while individuals committed to genuine service face mounting pressure both publicly and privately.
No Personal Grievances
Obi clarified that his decision to leave the ADC was not driven by personal conflicts with party leaders, including former Senate President David Mark or former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, both of whom he said he holds in high regard.
Instead, he pointed to deepening internal divisions, legal disputes, and what he described as the infiltration of destabilising forces within the party—issues he said mirror challenges he previously encountered in the Labour Party.
Obi also raised broader concerns about Nigeria’s political culture, arguing that values such as integrity, humility, and due process are increasingly misinterpreted as weakness.
He warned that sincere efforts toward nation-building are being undermined by suspicion, exclusion, and power-driven political maneuvering.
Despite his exit from the ADC, Obi reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria’s development, stressing that his focus remains on addressing insecurity, poverty, and displacement.
He emphasized that his ambitions are not rooted in the pursuit of political office but in the desire to see a more just, compassionate, and functional society.
