Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has confirmed that he has left the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a party he had only recently joined after his departure from the Labour Party.
Obi made the announcement in a detailed statement shared on X on Sunday, where he reflected on his political journey and the pressures he says have shaped his recent decisions.
He described the experience of public service as one often marked by unseen struggles, noting that many people are unaware of the personal and emotional burdens faced by those working in challenging political environments.
According to him, the broader political climate has become increasingly difficult, with systems that should support citizens instead creating obstacles, while insecurity, intimidation, and public scrutiny continue to rise.
He also spoke about internal pressures, saying that some individuals he had expected to find support from had instead contributed to the challenges he faced, including criticism and distancing from him in private despite public associations.
Obi said his decision to leave the ADC was not driven by personal grievances against the party’s leadership, expressing continued respect for figures such as the party’s chairman, Senator David Mark, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
However, he attributed his exit to what he described as growing instability within the party, alleging that the same forces he said disrupted the Labour Party had begun to affect the ADC through internal conflicts, court cases, and divisions.
He added that even attempts to step away from political spaces peacefully have not shielded him from criticism, saying his actions and intentions continue to be questioned despite his efforts to engage constructively.
Obi also reflected on societal attitudes, suggesting that values such as humility and compassion are often misunderstood, while integrity and prudent management are sometimes met with suspicion.
Addressing speculation about his political ambitions, he stated that he is not driven by the pursuit of high office, but by a desire to see improvements in areas such as security, economic stability, and the welfare of citizens.
He pointed to concerns including kidnappings, displacement, and widespread hardship, saying his focus remains on building a society where people can live safely and meet their basic needs.
Despite the challenges he outlined, Obi reaffirmed his belief in Nigeria’s potential, expressing confidence that the country can achieve progress through leadership grounded in justice, compassion, and equal opportunity.
His announcement comes amid wider uncertainty within the ADC. Former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso recently acknowledged ongoing consultations with other political platforms, including the National Democratic Congress, while raising concerns about the party’s legal and political challenges.
Kwankwaso had earlier indicated that the ADC was facing mounting legal pressures, describing its position as increasingly fragile following a series of unfavourable developments.
