Former Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi , has announced his exit from the African Democratic Congress, citing deepening internal crises and broader national challenges.
In a statement posted Sunday on X, Obi said the decision followed what he described as “deep personal reflection” and “silent pains” experienced while navigating Nigeria’s political space.
He said the country’s system has become increasingly toxic, marked by intimidation, insecurity, suspicion and discouragement, conditions he argued often undermine genuine public service.
“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 said.
Obi also said he faced unfair criticism and internal pressure within political circles he had joined in pursuit of reform and solidarity.
“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 Nigeria’s political culture.
He clarified that his departure was not due to personal grievances with party leaders, including former Senate President David Mark and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, both of whom he said he continues to respect.
According to Obi, his exit was driven by what he described as the infiltration of unresolved political conflicts, recurring legal disputes and internal divisions that have distracted the party from addressing national issues.
“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.
“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, with endless court cases, internal battles, suspicion and division, instead of focusing on deeper national problems.”
Obi said he has no personal ambition for political office, stressing that his focus remains on improving the welfare 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 leaving the party, Obi reaffirmed his belief in the country’s potential.
“A new Nigeria is possible,” he said.
