By Michael Oche
Former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has confirmed his resignation from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing deepening internal crises and a worsening political climate within the party.
In a statement released on Sunday, Obi said his decision followed “endless court cases, internal battles, suspicion, and division” that have continued to plague the party, diverting attention from national issues.
He noted that the same forces that destabilised his previous platform, the Labour Party, appeared to be resurfacing within the ADC, creating a hostile and unproductive political environment.
The former Anambra State governor clarified that his exit was not driven by personal grievances against key figures in the party, including its National Chairman, David Mark, or former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, both of whom he said he still respects. Instead, he pointed to systemic issues, including persistent legal disputes and internal divisions, which he said were undermining genuine political engagement.
Obi also lamented what he described as a toxic political culture in Nigeria, where “integrity, humility, and service are often misinterpreted as weakness,” adding that individuals working sincerely are frequently subjected to criticism and misrepresentation.
Despite his departure from the ADC, Obi reiterated that his political ambition is not about holding office but about building a functional society.
“I am not desperate to be President, Vice President, or Senate President. I am desperate to see a society that works for all,” he said.
Obi’s exit marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s opposition politics, coming just months after he aligned with the ADC as part of broader coalition efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections.
