BREAKING: Peter Obi Explains Exit from ADC, Laments Toxic Political Climate
The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, and Chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, Mr. Peter Obi, has opened up on the reasons behind his decision to leave the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing a worsening political environment marked by hostility, internal crises, and systemic challenges.
In a reflective message shared with Nigerians, Obi described the country’s atmosphere as increasingly “toxic,” where intimidation, insecurity, and persistent scrutiny have become part of everyday life for individuals striving to serve with sincerity.
He highlighted the emotional and psychological toll of public service, noting that many leaders endure silent struggles and unfair criticism, sometimes even from those they consider allies.
According to him, “many people do not truly understand the silent pains some of us carry daily—the private struggles, emotional burdens, and quiet battles we face.”
Clarifying his departure, Obi made a direct declaration: “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.”
He added that he still holds key figures in high regard, including David Mark and Atiku Abubakar.
Explaining the underlying issues, Obi said: “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.”
He further stressed that such distractions are taking attention away from urgent national concerns, adding that politics in Nigeria is increasingly driven by “control and exclusion rather than service and nation-building.”
Obi lamented that sincerity and humility are often misinterpreted, stating: “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.”
He also questioned the treatment of integrity in governance, asking: “Why is doing the right thing often misconstrued as wrongdoing in our country? Why is integrity not valued?”
Reaffirming his stance, Obi said he is not driven by personal ambition for power: “Let me assure all that I am not desperate to be President, Vice President, or Senate President.”
Instead, he emphasized his focus on citizens’ welfare: “I am desperate to see a society that can console a mother whose child has been kidnapped or killed… a Nigeria where people will not live in IDP camps but in their homes.”
