ABUJA, Nigeria — Peter Obi, the former Labour Party presidential candidate, has announced his resignation from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), less than a year after joining the party.
In a statement released on Sunday, Mr. Obi described a “toxic” political atmosphere in Nigeria characterized by intimidation and internal sabotage. He claimed his decision followed a period of “silent pains” and deep reflection on the state of the nation’s democracy.
‘Infiltration’ and Internal Crises
Mr. Obi, who moved to the ADC after leadership tusks hampered the Labour Party, suggested that the same external influences were now destabilising his new political home.
He pointed to a wave of “endless court cases, internal battles, and suspicion” within the ADC as the primary reason for his exit. According to Mr. Obi, these disputes have distracted the party from addressing Nigeria’s broader challenges, such as food insecurity and displacement.
“The same Nigerian state and its agents that created unnecessary crises within the Labour Party now appear to be finding their way into the ADC,” he said.
Respect for Leadership
Despite his departure, Mr. Obi was careful to clarify that his exit was not due to personal friction with the party’s hierarchy. He expressed continued respect for the ADC Chairman, Senator David Mark, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
However, he lamented a political culture where “humility is often misinterpreted as weakness” and where allies sometimes “privately distance themselves or join in unfair criticism”.
‘Not Desperate for Office’
Addressing critics who have accused him of party-hopping to secure a presidential ticket, Mr Obi insisted his focus remains on national welfare rather than personal ambition.
“I am not desperate to be President, Vice President or Senate President,” he declared. “I am desperate to see a Nigeria where people can live in dignity, without hunger, fear, or displacement.”
While he has not yet announced his next move, he concluded his statement with his signature slogan, maintaining that “a new Nigeria is possible”.
Add Comment