By Nefishetu Yakubu
Former Governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi, has announced his exit from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing worsening internal crises, external interference and growing hostility within party structures.
Obi made the disclosure in a statement issued on his behalf by his media aide, Valentine Obienyem, on Sunday in Abuja.
Obi described Nigeria’s political environment as increasingly toxic, marked by intimidation, insecurity and persistent scrutiny against individuals committed to sincere public service.
He lamented that institutions established to protect citizens now often work against them, while those pursuing genuine leadership faced pressure publicly and privately.
Clarifying his decision, Obi said his departure was not driven by personal grievances with party leaders, including David Mark and Atiku Abubakar.
“Let me state clearly: my decision to leave the ADC is not because of our highly respected Chairman, Senator David Mark, treated me badly, nor because my leader and elder brother, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.
“It is not as well that any other respected leaders did anything personally wrong to me. I will continue to respect them,” he said.
He maintained that he has respect for both leaders, but cited internal division, legal disputes and the infiltration of destabilising forces within ADC.
According to Obi, the challenges mirror similar crises he previously encountered in the Labour Party, making meaningful political engagement increasingly difficult.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Obi, the presidential candidate of LP in 2023 dumped the party on February 14 this year and thereafter, joined ADC.
He also decried a societal culture where integrity, humility and due process were frequently mistaken for weakness rather than strength.
Obi expressed concern that sincere efforts toward nation-building were being undermined by suspicion, exclusion and political manoeuvres driven more by control.
He reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria’s progress, stressing that citizens’ welfare remained his overriding priority.
He highlighted insecurity, poverty and displacement as pressing national concerns, insisting that his ambition was not to hold political office, but a just society.
(NAN)
