TDFormer Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has officially announced his departure from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing deep frustrations with internal crises and political hostility within the party.In a reflective statement, Obi explained that his decision was not due to personal grievances with ADC leaders such as Senator David Mark or Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, but rather the growing instability within the party.
Obi’s Reflections on Politics and Leadership
Obi lamented the toxic environment of Nigerian politics, where humility is often mistaken for weakness and integrity is undervalued.
He described the pressures of constant scrutiny, intimidation, and betrayal—even from supposed allies—as part of the challenges that forced him to reconsider his political platform.
He added that the same forces that destabilized the Labour Party before his exit had begun to infiltrate the ADC.
These, he said, are creating “endless court cases, internal battles, suspicion, and division” instead of focusing on nation-building.
Commitment to a New Nigeria
Obi reiterated that his political ambition is not driven by desperation for titles.
Rather, he is driven by a desire to see Nigeria transformed into a country where justice, compassion, and equal opportunity prevail.
He emphasized his vision of a Nigeria where citizens do not go to bed hungry.
Instead, a country where resources are managed prudently to prioritize education, healthcare, and security.
Political Context
Obi’s announcement comes amid reports that he and former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, are preparing to defect to the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Both men are expected to contest the 2027 presidential election on a joint ticket.
They will combine Obi’s strong appeal in the South-East and South-South with Kwankwaso’s entrenched influence in the North.
The ADC, already weakened by internal leadership disputes and legal battles, faces further decline as its most prominent figures prepare to leave.
Analysts suggest that Obi’s exit, alongside Kwankwaso’s, could reshape Nigeria’s opposition politics and challenge the dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Outlook
Despite the turbulence, Obi remains resolute in his belief that “a new Nigeria is possible.”
His departure from the ADC signals yet another realignment in Nigeria’s political landscape,.
Grassroots movements and supporters are expected to follow him into his next political chapter.
He has yet to announce his new party, but speculations are rife that he is headed for Nigeria Democratic Party (NDP).
Read Peter Obi’s unedited message in full below:
“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 private struggles, emotional burdens, and quiet battles we face while trying to survive and serve sincerely in difficult circumstances.
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—a society where intimidation, insecurity, endless scrutiny, and discouragement have become normal.
More painful is when some of those you associate with, believing you would find understanding and solidarity among them, become part of the pressure you face.
Some who publicly identify with you privately distance themselves or join in unfair criticism.
We live in a society where humility is mistaken for weakness, respect is seen as a lack of courage, and compassion is treated as foolishness—a system where treating people equally is questioned simply because you refuse to worship status, tribe, class, or power.
Personally, I have never looked down on anyone except to uplift them.
I have never used privilege, position, or resources to oppress others, intimidate the weak, or make people feel small.
To me, leadership has always been about service, sacrifice, and helping others rise.
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.
Even within spaces where one labours sincerely, one is sometimes treated like an outsider in one’s own home.
You and your team become easy targets for every failure, frustration, or misunderstanding, as though honest contribution has become a favour being tolerated rather than appreciated.
And when you choose to leave so that those you are leaving can have peace, and you step out into the cold, you are still maligned and your character is questioned.
Despite all your efforts to continue working for a better Nigeria and engaging people with sincerity and goodwill, those who do not wish you well continue to attack your character and question your intentions.
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?
- Why is the prudent management of resources, especially when invested in critical areas like education and healthcare, wrongly labelled as stinginess?
- Why are humility and obedience to the rule of law often taken to be weakness rather than discipline?
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.
A new Nigeria is POssible.”
