PETER Obi has confirmed that he is on his way out of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing deepening internal crises, political toxicity and what he described as the recurrence of the same challenges that plagued his experience in the Labour Party.
In a personally signed statement sent to News Point Nigeria on Sunday, the former Anambra State governor said he arrived at the difficult decision after deep reflection, insisting that the move had become necessary despite what he called “every constraint.”
“I woke up this morning after my church service with a deeply reflective heart… and felt compelled to share these thoughts,” Obi wrote.
He noted that many Nigerians do not understand the “silent pains” and private struggles faced by individuals genuinely trying to serve within the country’s political space.
The former presidential candidate painted a grim picture of Nigeria’s current political environment, describing it as increasingly hostile, discouraging and toxic.
According to him, the same system that ought to protect citizens and create opportunities for them often works against the people instead.
“We now live in an environment that has become increasingly toxic, where the very system that should protect and create opportunities… often works against the people,” he stated.
Obi pointed to intimidation, insecurity and relentless public scrutiny as some of the defining features of the present political climate.
He also expressed disappointment over what he described as the absence of genuine solidarity, even among individuals who publicly identify with him politically.
“Some who publicly identify with you privately distance themselves or join in unfair criticism,” Obi lamented.
The former governor further noted that humility is frequently interpreted as weakness, while compassion and sincerity are often viewed as foolishness in Nigeria’s political space.
Despite his frustrations, Obi clarified that his decision to leave the ADC was not motivated by any personal grievance against the party’s leadership.
He specifically exonerated David Mark and Atiku Abubakar, insisting that neither of them treated him unfairly.
“Let me state clearly: my decision to leave the ADC is not because our highly respected Chairman… treated me badly, nor because… Atiku Abubakar, or any other respected leaders did anything personally wrong to me,” he said.
Rather, Obi attributed his planned exit to what he described as a repetition of the same problems that troubled the Labour Party during his time there.
According to him, the ADC is increasingly being dragged into internal divisions, endless legal disputes and external interference.
“The same Nigerian state and its agents that created unnecessary crises… now appear to be finding their way into the ADC, with endless court cases, internal battles, suspicion, and division,” he stated.
The former governor also lamented that honest contributions and sincere sacrifices are often undervalued within the political system.
“Even within spaces where one labours sincerely, one is sometimes treated like an outsider… as though honest contribution has become a favour being tolerated rather than appreciated,” Obi added.
He maintained that despite his decision to step away from the ADC, he continues to face criticism, attacks and questions about his character, even while pursuing what he described as sincere efforts toward national development.
Reflecting on the broader condition of the country, Obi questioned the values that shape public perception in Nigeria, wondering why integrity and prudent management of resources are often misunderstood or ignored.
“Why is doing the right thing often misconstrued as wrongdoing in our country? Why is integrity not valued?” he asked.
Obi reiterated that his political ambition is not rooted in desperation for power or public office, but in his desire to see a better and more humane Nigeria.
“I am not desperate to be President… I am desperate to see a society that can console a mother whose child has been kidnapped or killed,” he stated.
He also highlighted the worsening problems of insecurity, poverty and displacement across the country, stressing that the suffering of ordinary Nigerians remains his major concern.
Despite the disappointments and political setbacks, Obi ended his message on a hopeful note, affirming his belief that Nigeria can still overcome its challenges through competent leadership founded on justice, compassion and equal opportunity.
“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,” he said.
“A new Nigeria is possible.”