By Harriet Tornguvan
Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has announced his resignation from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing deepening internal crises and what he described as a toxic political environment in the country.
Obi’s decision comes months after his defection from the Labour Party (LP) to the ADC. In a statement posted on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday, the former governor expressed frustration over persistent political tensions, insecurity, and systemic challenges affecting party cohesion and national governance.
He described the current political atmosphere as one fraught with intimidation and internal divisions, noting that many public figures endure silent struggles while striving to serve with sincerity.
“Many people do not truly understand the silent pains some of us carry daily, the private struggles, emotional burdens, and quiet battles we face while trying to survive and serve sincerely in difficult circumstances,” Obi stated.
The former presidential candidate clarified that his resignation was not due to personal grievances with party leadership. He specifically exonerated the ADC National Chairman, David Mark, as well as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and other party leaders from any wrongdoing.
“Let me state clearly: my decision to leave the ADC is not because our highly respected Chairman… or any other respected leaders did anything personally wrong to me. I will continue to respect them,” he said.
However, Obi accused certain elements within the political system of deliberately destabilising opposition parties through crises and division. He drew parallels with his experience in the Labour Party, alleging that similar patterns of interference were now evident within the ADC.
“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,” he added.
Obi further lamented what he termed a societal culture that undervalues integrity and misinterprets humility as weakness, stressing that his leadership philosophy remains rooted in service, equality, and compassion.
“I have never looked down on anyone except to uplift them… leadership has always been about service, sacrifice, and helping others rise,” he said.
He also criticised what he described as misplaced national priorities, arguing that political leaders often focus more on power struggles than addressing pressing issues such as insecurity, poverty, and displacement.
Reiterating his political stance, Obi maintained that his ambition is not driven by the pursuit of office but by a desire to see tangible improvements in citizens’ lives.
“Let me assure all that 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 country where Nigerian citizens do not go to bed hungry,” he stated.
Despite his exit from the ADC, Obi reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria’s progress, expressing optimism that the country can still achieve competent leadership anchored on justice, compassion, and equal opportunity for all.
