BREAKING: Peter Obi quits African Democratic Congress, cites toxic political climate

Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Peter Obi has announced his departure from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), ending weeks of speculation over his political future, in a strongly worded statement that reflected deep frustration with Nigeria’s political environment.

In a Sunday message titled with a personal reflection following his church service, Obi described his decision as one taken after “deep reflection,” citing what he called increasing emotional strain, internal party tensions, and a hostile political climate.

He said many Nigerians, including himself, were operating under “silent pains, private struggles, and emotional burdens,” while navigating what he described as a system increasingly defined by intimidation, insecurity, and discouragement.

Obi also expressed concern over what he termed growing intolerance within political spaces, where humility and restraint are often misinterpreted as weakness.

“I have never looked down on anyone except to uplift them,” he said, stressing that his political philosophy has always been rooted in service, sacrifice, and compassion.

Clarifying his departure, Obi insisted his decision was not driven by personal conflict with party leaders, naming Senate President David Mark and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, whom he said he continues to respect.

He, however, pointed to what he described as recurring political interference, internal crises, and legal disputes within party structures as part of a wider pattern undermining opposition politics in the country.

According to him, similar challenges previously experienced in other political arrangements were beginning to re-emerge in the ADC, creating suspicion, division, and distractions from governance-focused engagement.

Obi further lamented what he called persistent attacks on his character despite efforts to contribute to national development, adding that even voluntary exits from political spaces were often met with hostility and misrepresentation.

He said his political motivation remains centered on national welfare rather than ambition for office, stressing that he is “not desperate to be President or Vice President,” but focused on seeing a Nigeria where citizens can live with dignity, security, and access to basic needs.

Despite his exit from the party, Obi reaffirmed his belief in Nigeria’s potential, insisting that “a new Nigeria is possible,” anchored on justice, competence, and equal opportunity.