From Victor Osula, Abuja
Former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has announced his resignation from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing a worsening political atmosphere characterised by intimidation, division, suspicion and systemic interference capable of undermining genuine nation-building efforts.
Obi disclosed his decision in a personally signed statement issued on Sunday, in which he lamented that Nigeria’s political system has become increasingly hostile to sincere and reform-minded leadership.
The resignation came amid reports that he, alongside the former Kano State Governor and leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, are reportedly set to defect to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
However, the former Anambra State Governor said his resignation was not driven by personal grievances against leaders of the ADC but by growing concerns over internal crises and what he described as external forces destabilising opposition political parties.
“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. I will continue to respect them”, Obi stated.
He specifically acknowledged the former Senate President, David Mark, and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, insisting that his decision should not be interpreted as a personal disagreement with them or the party leadership.
However, Obi warned that the same forces he previously accused of destabilising the Labour Party had now allegedly begun infiltrating the ADC.
“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”, he alleged.
Although he did not specifically identify those behind the alleged interference, Obi maintained that the pattern of political instability and internal conflict within opposition parties points to deliberate efforts to weaken alternative political voices.
The former presidential candidate painted a grim picture of Nigeria’s current political environment, describing it as toxic and increasingly discouraging for individuals genuinely interested in public service and national development.
“We now live in an environment that has become increasingly toxic, where the very system that should protect and create opportunities for decent living often works against the people”, he said.
Obi further lamented what he described as a culture of intimidation, insecurity and endless scrutiny targeted at reform-minded politicians and citizens advocating change.
According to him, even some allies and associates who publicly identify with his political ideals often distance themselves privately or contribute to unfair criticism against him.
“More painful is when some of those you associate with, believing you would find understanding and solidarity among them, become part of the pressure you face. Some who publicly identify with you privately distance themselves or join in unfair criticism”, he added.
Obi also decried what he described as the distortion of values in Nigeria’s political culture, arguing that humility, respect and compassion are now wrongly interpreted as weakness.
“We live in a society where humility is mistaken for weakness, respect is seen as a lack of courage, and compassion is treated as foolishness. A system where treating people equally is questioned simply because you refuse to worship status, tribe, class, or power”, he said.
Despite his resignation from the ADC, Obi insisted that his political involvement had never been motivated by desperation for political office, but by a desire to see ordinary Nigerians live better 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. I am desperate to see a Nigeria where people will not live in IDP camps but in their homes. I am desperate for a country where Nigerian citizens do not go to bed hungry”, he declared.
Obi also reflected on the emotional and psychological burden of his political journey, disclosing that he has endured “silent pains”, “emotional burdens”, and “quiet battles” while trying to pursue honest leadership within Nigeria’s difficult political environment.
“There are moments I ask God in prayer: Why is doing the right thing often misconstrued as wrongdoing in our country? Why is integrity not valued?” he asked.
Despite his frustrations, Obi reaffirmed his belief that Nigeria can still achieve transformational leadership built 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. A new Nigeria is possible”, he concluded.
