Former Anambra State governor and 2027 presidential hopeful Peter Obi has announced his resignation from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing deepening internal disputes and what he described as an increasingly difficult political atmosphere in Nigeria.
Obi made the announcement on Sunday in a statement published on his verified X account, where he opened up about the emotional strain, private struggles and daily pressures faced by political actors who attempt to serve sincerely within the country’s challenging political environment.
According to him, many Nigerians may not fully understand the silent burdens carried by public figures who continue to work under circumstances shaped by insecurity, intimidation and recurring internal political conflicts.
He described the present political climate as one that has become increasingly toxic, saying it has made genuine service more difficult.
Decision Not Personal, Obi Says
While confirming his departure from the party, Obi was quick to clarify that his decision was not a reaction to personal disagreements with leaders of the opposition coalition.
He specifically stated that the move was not caused by any mistreatment from the party’s leadership.
The former governor praised the leadership of the party, saying he continues to hold in high regard ADC National Chairman David Mark as well as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
According to him, neither Senator David Mark nor Atiku Abubakar, whom he described as a respected leader and elder brother, did anything personally wrong to him.
Obi added that his respect for them remains intact despite his decision to step away from the party.
Beyond internal disagreements, Obi alleged that wider systemic forces have continued to undermine political parties in the country.
He argued that some elements within the political system appear determined to create instability through prolonged legal disputes, internal battles, suspicion and division.
In his view, the same pattern that weakened his previous political platform, the Labour Party, is beginning to emerge within the ADC.
Obi said the Nigerian state and its agents had previously contributed to unnecessary crises and hostility within the Labour Party, circumstances he said eventually forced him to leave.
He expressed concern that similar developments now appear to be taking shape in hisformer party, raising fears that the opposition coalition may be heading down the same path.
“Integrity Is Often Misunderstood”
In his statement, Obi also reflected on the broader political culture in Nigeria, lamenting what he described as a society where humility, respect and compassion are often wrongly interpreted as weakness.
He said genuine commitment to service is too often undervalued, while acts of integrity are frequently misunderstood.
According to him, there are moments when he questions why doing the right thing is sometimes treated as wrongdoing.
The former governor noted that such realities have made principled leadership increasingly difficult in the country’s political space.
Leadership Must Be About Service
Obi used the statement to restate the values that have shaped his political philosophy over the years.
He said he has never viewed leadership as a platform for intimidation, oppression or personal advantage.
Instead, he described leadership as a responsibility built on service, sacrifice and helping others rise.
According to him, he has never looked down on anyone except to uplift them, and has never used privilege, office or resources to make others feel small.
He stressed that equality, dignity and compassion remain central to his public life.
The former presidential candidate also criticised what he described as misplaced national priorities.
He said many political leaders appear more focused on control of power and political dominance than on confronting the urgent challenges facing ordinary Nigerians.
Obi argued that the country’s real problems require immediate attention — from insecurity and poverty to displacement, hunger and the daily hardship faced by millions of citizens.
He said Nigeria needs leadership that is more concerned with the welfare of the people than with political calculations.
“I Am Not Desperate for Power”
Addressing speculation about his future ambitions, Obi said his political engagement is not driven by desperation for office.
He stated clearly that he is not desperate to become President, Vice President or Senate President.
Rather, he said his deepest concern is to see a country where families can live safely, children can go to school without fear, and citizens can work without the threat of violence or abduction.
He spoke emotionally about mothers who have lost children to insecurity, saying such tragedies reflect the urgent need for responsible and compassionate leadership.
Obi also expressed concern over the growing number of internally displaced persons, saying Nigerians should be able to live in their homes rather than in camps.
He added that no citizen should go to bed hungry in a country blessed with enormous human and natural resources.
Despite leaving the ADC, Obi insisted that his commitment to Nigeria’s future remains strong.
He said he still believes the country can become a nation guided by competent leadership, justice, compassion and equal opportunity for all citizens.
According to him, political setbacks and internal crises should not diminish the broader goal of building a better and more inclusive Nigeria.
His resignation marks another significant development in the country’s evolving opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general election.
With his departure from the ADC, attention is now expected to shift toward his nextpolitical move and the possible implications for opposition realignment in the months ahead.
