Former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has announced his exit from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing renewed political interference, internal crises, and a toxic national environment that continues to undermine sincere leadership and reform efforts.
In a press statement released on Sunday morning, Obi said his decision was driven not by personal grievances against party leaders, but by deeper systemic challenges that, according to him, are once again threatening internal stability within 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,” Obi stated.
He, however, raised concerns over what he described as a recurring pattern of interference by “the Nigerian state and its agents,” alleging that the same forces that destabilized the Labour Party are now infiltrating the ADC.
“Endless court cases, internal battles, suspicion, and division are taking over, instead of focusing on deeper national problems,” he said, warning that politics in the country is increasingly being driven by “control and exclusion” rather than service and nation-building.
“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,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Obi reaffirmed his long-standing political philosophy, insisting that leadership must be rooted in service, sacrifice, and the upliftment of others. He emphasized that he has never used his position or privilege to oppress or intimidate anyone.
“I have never looked down on anyone except to uplift them,” he added.
Addressing speculations about his political ambition, Obi declared that he is not desperate for power but remains deeply committed to addressing Nigeria’s pressing humanitarian and socio-economic crises.
“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… a Nigeria where citizens do not go to bed hungry,” he said.
Obi also raised moral and philosophical concerns about governance in Nigeria, questioning why integrity, prudence, and respect for the rule of law are often misinterpreted as weakness or wrongdoing.
In a tone reflecting both frustration and resolve, he said, “There are moments I ask God in prayer: Why is doing the right thing often misconstrued as wrongdoing in our country?”
While stepping away from the ADC, Obi maintained that his commitment to Nigeria’s progress remains unwavering, expressing hope that the country can still achieve competent leadership anchored on justice, compassion, and equal opportunity.
