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Peter Obi, former Anambra state governor, has announced his exit from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing internal party challenges and broader concerns about Nigeria’s political environment.
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, Obi said the decision followed a period of reflection, noting that the country’s political space has become increasingly hostile and discouraging for genuine public service.
“We now live in an environment that has become increasingly toxic, where the system that should protect and create opportunities often works against the people,” Obi wrote on Sunday.
He said the system is now characterised by intimidation, insecurity and distrust, adding that such conditions often work against citizens rather than support them.
Fellow Nigerians, good morning.
I woke up this morning after my church service with a deeply reflective heart, and despite every constraint, I felt compelled to share these thoughts with you.
Many people do not truly understand the silent pains some of us carry daily—the…
— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) May 3, 2026
Obi also stated that he had been subjected to unfair criticism and internal pressure within political spaces he previously joined in search of solidarity and reform-minded leadership
He clarified that his departure was not driven by personal grievances with party leaders, including former Senate President David Mark or former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, whom he said he continues to respect.
Rather, he attributed the move to persistent internal disputes, legal battles and divisions within the party, which he said have distracted from addressing national issues.
Obi added that similar crisis patterns that affected his previous political platform appear to be emerging within the ADC, making it difficult to pursue meaningful reform.
“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.
“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, instead of focusing on deeper national problems and playing politics built more on control and exclusion than on service and nation-building,” he said.
He stressed that his political decisions are not driven by personal ambition for office but by a desire to improve the welfare and living conditions of Nigerians.
Despite leaving the party, Obi maintained his belief that the country can achieve better leadership, upholding his view that a new Nigeria remains possible.
“Let me assure all that 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 while going to school or work. I am desperate to see a Nigeria where people will not live in IDP camps but in their homes. I am desperate for a country where Nigerian citizens do not go to bed hungry, not knowing where their next meal will come from.
“Yet, despite everything, I remain resolute. I firmly believe that Nigeria can still become a country with competent leadership based on justice, compassion, and equal opportunity for all.”
