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By Victor Osula, Abuja
Former Labor 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 characterized by intimidation, division, suspicion and systemic interference capable of undermining genuine nation-building efforts.
Obi revealed his decision in a personally signed statement released on Sunday, in which he lamented that Nigeria’s political system has become increasingly hostile to sincere and reformist leadership.
The resignation came after reports that he, along with former Kano state governor and Kwankwasiyya movement leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, are 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 ADC leaders, but by growing concerns over internal crises and what he described as external forces destabilizing opposition political parties.
“Let me say this clearly: my decision to leave the ADC is not because our highly respected President, Senator David Mark, treated me badly, nor because my leader and elder brother, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, or any other respected leader did anything wrong to me on a personal level. I will continue to respect them,” Obi said.
He specifically acknowledged former Senate President, David Mark, and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, insisting that his decision should not be construed as a personal disagreement with them or the party leadership.
However, Obi warned that the same forces he had previously accused of destabilizing the Labor Party would now begin to infiltrate the ADC.
“However, the same Nigerian state and its agents who created unnecessary crises and hostility within the Labor Party that forced me to leave, now appear to be finding their way into the ADC, with endless lawsuits, internal battles, suspicions and divisions,” he said.
While he did not specifically identify those responsible for the alleged interference, Obi argued that the pattern of political instability and internal conflict within opposition parties indicates deliberate efforts to undermine alternative political voices.
The former presidential candidate painted a grim picture of Nigeria’s current political environment, describing it as toxic and increasingly discouraging to people genuinely interested in public service and national development.
“We now live in an environment that has become increasingly toxic, where the very system that is supposed to protect and create opportunities for a dignified life often works against people,” he said.
Obi also lamented what he described as a culture of intimidation, insecurity and endless scrutiny aimed at reformist politicians and citizens who support change.
According to him, even some allies and collaborators who publicly identify with his political ideals often distance themselves in private or contribute to unfair criticism against him.
“More painful is when some of those you relate to, believing you would find understanding and solidarity with each other, 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 a distortion of values in Nigeria’s political culture, arguing that humility, respect and compassion are now misinterpreted as weakness.
“We live in a society where humility is mistaken for weakness, respect is seen as lack of courage and compassion is treated as madness. A system of treating people equally is challenged simply because one refuses to worship status, tribe, class or power,” he said.
Despite his resignation from the ADC, Obi insisted that his political involvement was never motivated by desperation for political office, but by a desire to see ordinary Nigerians live a better life.
“I assure you that I am not desperate to be president, vice president or president of the Senate. I desperately want to see a society that can console a mother whose child has been kidnapped or killed. I desperately want to see a Nigeria where people will not live in IDP camps but in their homes. I desperately want a country where Nigerian citizens do not go to bed hungry,” he said.
Obi also reflected on the emotional and psychological toll of his political journey, revealing that he has endured “silent pains”, “emotional burdens” and “silent battles” as he sought to pursue honest leadership in Nigeria’s challenging political environment.
“There are times when I ask God in prayer: Why is doing the right thing so often misunderstood as wrong in our country? Why is integrity not valued?” he asked.
Despite his frustrations, Obi reaffirmed his belief that Nigeria can still achieve transformative leadership based on justice, compassion and equal opportunity.
“However, despite everything, I remain resolute. I firmly believe that Nigeria can still become a country with competent leadership based on justice, compassion and equal opportunities for all. A new Nigeria is possible,” he concluded.
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