Former presidential candidate says recurring crises and internal divisions forced his exit, insists he remains committed to building a better Nigeria

Former presidential candidate and ex-Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, has formally resigned from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing deepening internal conflicts and what he described as a toxic political environment reminiscent of his experience in the Labour Party.

In a statement shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday, Obi said his decision was not driven by personal ambition or disputes with party leadership, but by persistent instability and systemic interference that continue to undermine party cohesion.

“I am not desperate to be President, Vice President, or Senate President. I am desperate to see a society that works for all,” Obi stated, reinforcing his long-standing position on people-focused governance.

He was careful to clarify that his exit was not a reflection of any personal disagreement with prominent ADC figures, including National Chairman David Mark and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, both of whom he said he holds in high regard.

However, Obi raised serious concerns about what he described as recurring interference by “the Nigerian state and its agents,” alleging that similar forces that destabilised the Labour Party are now surfacing within 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 legal disputes, internal factionalism, and a growing atmosphere of distrust within the party as key distractions from addressing Nigeria’s urgent national challenges. He also criticised the broader political culture, noting that values such as integrity, humility, and sincerity are often misinterpreted as weakness, leading to undue criticism and misrepresentation.

“Even within spaces where one labours sincerely, one is sometimes treated like an outsider,” he added, expressing frustration over repeated blame directed at him and his team despite their contributions.

Despite his departure, Obi reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s development, maintaining that his vision for a more just, inclusive, and functional society remains intact.

“A new Nigeria is possible,” he declared, reiterating his belief in leadership rooted in justice, compassion, and equal opportunity.

Obi’s exit from the ADC marks another significant turn in his political journey following his departure from the Labour Party after the 2023 presidential election. He continues to position himself as a leading voice for transparency, accountability, and people-centred governance in Nigeria.