Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has resigned from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing emerging internal tensions and alleged infiltration by agents of the Nigerian state.
Obi announced his decision in a statement shared on his verified X handle on Sunday, expressing concern that the same forces he accused of destabilizing the Labour Party are now making inroads into the ADC.
The former Anambra State governor claimed these elements have introduced “endless court cases, internal battles, suspicion, and division,” diverting attention from critical national issues and undermining the party’s focus on service and nation-building.
He lamented what he described as a troubling societal reality in Nigeria, where humility is often seen as weakness, respect mistaken for lack of courage, and compassion regarded as foolishness.
Obi maintained that his political journey has been guided by service and sacrifice, stressing that he has never used his position or influence to oppress others or intimidate the vulnerable.
Clarifying his exit, he stated that his decision was not due to any personal اختلاف with key figures in the party, including ADC National Chairman David Mark or former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
He said, “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 further stressed that he is not driven by personal ambition for political office but by a desire to see a better Nigeria.
“I am not desperate to be president, vice president, or Senate president. I am desperate to see a society that can console a grieving mother, a country where citizens are safe, and where people do not go to bed hungry,” he said.
Reflecting on the current state of the nation, Obi described Nigeria’s environment as increasingly toxic, marked by insecurity, intimidation, and systemic challenges that hinder genuine service and progress.
Despite his resignation, he expressed optimism that Nigeria can still achieve competent leadership rooted in justice, compassion, and equal opportunity
