Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has announced his exit from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing escalating internal crises and Nigeria’s worsening political climate.
In a statement shared on Sunday on X, Obi said the decision followed “deep personal reflection” and what he described as “silent pains” from navigating the political space.
He criticised the nation’s political environment as increasingly toxic, marked by intimidation, suspicion, and insecurity, which he said undermines 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 complained of unfair criticism and internal pressure within political platforms he had joined in pursuit of reform-minded collaboration, noting that humility is often misread as weakness in Nigerian politics.
He, however, stressed that his departure was not directed at ADC leaders, including former Senate President David Mark and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, both of whom he said he respects.
Obi attributed his exit to recurring internal disputes and legal battles within the party, which he said have distracted from national issues.
“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 ADC, Obi reaffirmed his belief in national renewal, insisting that “a new Nigeria is possible.”
