Obi Quits ADC, Cites Toxic Politics, External Interference

Former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has announced his resignation from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), blaming what he described as a toxic political climate, deepening internal crises, and external interference in party affairs.

In a personally signed statement on Sunday, Obi said his decision was not borne out of personal grievances against party leaders, but rather due to a troubling pattern of division, distrust, and systemic disruption within the party.

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.”

The former Anambra State governor, however, alleged that the same forces responsible for crises in his former party are now manifesting within 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 said.

Obi described the broader political environment in Nigeria as increasingly hostile to sincerity and reform-driven leadership, noting that intimidation, insecurity, and persistent scrutiny have become the norm.

“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 added.

He also lamented what he called a distortion of societal values, where humility is perceived as weakness and compassion as foolishness.

“We live in a society where humility is mistaken for weakness, respect is seen as lack of courage, and compassion is treated as foolishness,” Obi stated.

Despite his exit, Obi maintained that his political ambition is not driven by the pursuit of power, but by a desire to see meaningful change in the country.

“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,” he said.

Reflecting on his personal journey, Obi spoke of the emotional and psychological toll of navigating Nigeria’s political landscape, describing moments of silent pain and inner struggle.

“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 queried.

He, however, reaffirmed his belief in Nigeria’s potential, expressing hope for a future built on justice, compassion, and equal opportunity.

“A new Nigeria is possible,” he said.