By CHARLES CHIJIOKE
Former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has opened up on his decision to leave the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing a worsening political environment marked by “intimidation, insecurity, and division.”
In a reflective message shared on Sunday morning, Obi said he felt compelled to speak after deep personal contemplation, describing the emotional and political pressures faced by individuals striving to serve sincerely in Nigeria.
“Many people do not truly understand the silent pains some of us carry daily—the private struggles, emotional burdens, and quiet battles we face while trying to survive and serve sincerely in difficult circumstances,” he said.
He lamented that Nigeria has become “increasingly toxic,” where systems meant to protect citizens now work against them, adding that intimidation, scrutiny, and discouragement have become normalized.
The former Anambra governor also expressed disappointment in associates who, according to him, fail to show solidarity in difficult moments. “Some who publicly identify with you privately distance themselves or join in unfair criticism,” he stated.
Clarifying the circumstances surrounding his departure from the ADC, Obi said it was not due to any personal grievance with party leaders, including former Senate President David Mark or ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
“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. I will continue to respect them,” he said.
Obi, however, alleged that the same forces that destabilized the Labour Party have begun to infiltrate the ADC, resulting in “endless court cases, internal battles, suspicion, and division.”
According to him, such developments distract from addressing pressing national challenges and reflect a political culture driven more by “control and exclusion” than service.
He further decried a societal mindset where “humility is mistaken for weakness” and integrity is undervalued. “Why is doing the right thing often misconstrued as wrongdoing in our country?” he asked, adding that prudent resource management is sometimes wrongly interpreted as stinginess.
Obi maintained that his ambition is not centered on holding political office but on improving the welfare of Nigerians. “I am not desperate to be President, Vice President, or Senate President. 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,” he said.
Despite the challenges, he reaffirmed his belief in the country’s potential. “Yet, despite everything, I remain resolute. I firmly believe that Nigeria can still become a country with competent leadership based on justice, compassion, and equal opportunity for all. A new Nigeria is possible.”
Obi’s latest remarks come amid ongoing political realignments and internal disputes within opposition parties ahead of future elections, raising concerns about unity and stability within Nigeria’s political landscape. Observers say his exit from the ADC could further deepen fragmentation within opposition ranks, potentially reshaping alliances and influencing electoral dynamics in the coming months.
