The former Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, has officially announced his resignation from the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a deeply personal and reflective statement released early this morning following a church service, Obi cited a “toxic” political environment, internal sabotage, and the infiltration of the party by the same forces that destabilized his previous political platform.
Obi’s statement painted a picture of a leader grappling with the emotional toll of Nigerian politics. He spoke of “silent pains” and “private struggles,” describing a society where decent service is met with intimidation and scrutiny.
“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,” Obi stated. He lamented that humility is often mistaken for weakness and compassion treated as foolishness.
Providing insight into his departure, Obi suggested that the institutional hurdles that plagued his time in the Labour Party (LP) had followed him to the ADC. He pointed to “endless court cases, internal battles, suspicion, and division” as signs that the Nigerian state and its agents are working to stifle genuine alternative movements.
“The same Nigerian state and its agents that created unnecessary crises and hostility within the Labour Party… now appear to be finding their way into the ADC,” he said. Obi expressed frustration at being treated like an “outsider in one’s own home,” noting that despite his sincere labor, he and his team had become easy targets for internal frustration and character assassination.
Obi was quick to clarify that his exit was not prompted by personal grievances with the party’s top brass. He maintained his respect for the ADC National Chairman, Senator David Mark, and his “elder brother,” Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, stating that he would continue to hold them in high regard.
### ‘Desperate for a Better Nigeria’
Addressing long-standing criticisms of his leadership style, Obi defended his record of “prudent management of resources,” which critics have often labeled as stinginess. He reaffirmed that his political ambitions are not driven by a hunger for office, but by a desire for social justice.
“Let me assure all that I am not desperate to be President, Vice President, or Senate President,” Obi declared. “I am desperate to see a society that can console a mother whose child has been kidnapped or killed… I am desperate for a country where Nigerian citizens do not go to bed hungry.”
The Path Forward
The resignation leaves questions about Obi’s next move as the 2027 political cycle begins to take shape. Despite the setback, the former Anambra State Governor remained resolute in his hope for the country.
He concluded his statement with his signature mantra: “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.”
As of the time of this report, the leadership of the ADC has not issued a formal response to Obi’s resignation.
