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Former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has announced his resignation from the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
He cited deepening internal wrangling and what he described as an increasingly hostile political climate as reasons for his decision.
In a statement shared on Sunday via his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Obi lamented what he termed the “toxic” nature of Nigeria’s political environment, as well as mounting pressure on public figures.
The former Anambra State governor clarified that his decision was not driven by personal disagreements with key figures in the party, including its National Chairman, David Mark, and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, both of whom he said he holds in high regard.
Obi explained that persistent internal disputes and external interference within the party influenced his decision to step down.
According to him, the situation in the ADC was beginning to mirror the challenges he previously encountered in the Labour Party.
He further alleged that the same forces responsible for crises in his former political platform were now making inroads into 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,” he said.
Obi pointed to ongoing litigations, factional divisions, and a growing climate of distrust within the party, noting that such developments were diverting attention from pressing national issues.
He also decried a political culture in which values such as integrity, humility, and service are often misinterpreted as weakness.
According to him, individuals acting in good faith frequently face misrepresentation and undue criticism.
“Even within spaces where one labours sincerely, one is sometimes treated like an outsider,” he added, noting that he and his associates had often been made scapegoats despite their contributions.
Reiterating his broader political philosophy, Obi stressed that his ambition is not driven by a quest for power but by a commitment to national development.
“I am not desperate to be President, Vice President, or Senate President. I am desperate to see a society that works for all,” he stated.
Despite his resignation from the ADC, Obi reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria’s progress, expressing optimism that the country can still achieve leadership anchored on justice, compassion, and equal opportunity.
“A new Nigeria is possible,” he concluded.
