BY Ngbede Silas
Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has announced his exit from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing deepening internal crisis and growing political hostility within Nigeria’s opposition space.
In a statement released on Thursday, Obi described the country’s political atmosphere as increasingly toxic, alleging that intimidation, division, and unnecessary conflicts have continued to weaken opposition parties.
“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,” Obi said.
He claimed that the same forces that allegedly destabilised the Labour Party are now influencing the ADC through court cases, suspicion, and internal battles.
“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,” he stated.
Obi clarified that his decision was not because of any personal issue with ADC National Chairman, David Mark, or former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
“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,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor also lamented that integrity, humility, and accountability are often misunderstood in Nigeria’s political system.
“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?” Obi queried.
According to him, his focus remains on building a Nigeria where citizens can live safely, afford basic needs, and enjoy equal opportunities.
“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,” he added.
Obi maintained that despite the political challenges, he still believes Nigeria can achieve responsible leadership built on justice, compassion, and competence.
His latest move is expected to spark fresh political realignments and intense reactions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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