Presidential hopeful and former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, has announced his decision to leave the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general election, citing worsening internal crises, external interference, and a toxic political atmosphere within party structures.
In a lengthy and reflective statement posted on his official X handle on Sunday, Obi expressed concern over what he described as the increasing hostility and instability in Nigeria’s political environment. According to him, intimidation, insecurity, and persistent scrutiny have become defining features of public life, especially for those seeking to serve with sincerity.
Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party, said his exit from the ADC was not driven by personal grievances against party leaders. He specifically absolved former Senate President, David Mark, and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, of any wrongdoing, describing them as respected leaders whom he continues to hold in high regard.
“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,” Obi stated.
Rather, he pointed to recurring patterns of division, endless court cases, suspicion, and internal battles within the party—issues he said mirrored the challenges he previously encountered in the Labour Party.
He alleged that destabilising forces linked to the Nigerian state were beginning to infiltrate the ADC, creating unnecessary crises that distract from pressing national concerns.
“However, 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,” he said.
Obi also lamented what he described as a societal culture where humility is mistaken for weakness, integrity is undervalued, and adherence to due process is often misconstrued as a lack of courage.
He maintained that his political ambition is not rooted in personal gain or desperation for office, but in a commitment to building a just, compassionate, and functional Nigeria.
“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 while going to school or work,” he said.
The announcement follows days of speculation over Obi’s reported plans to exit the ADC after just six months in the party. Reports had linked him with a possible move to the newly registered National Democratic Congress (NDC), alongside former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso.
However, Obi did not disclose his next political destination in his Sunday statement.
Meanwhile, Kwankwaso has said neither he nor his political associates have reached a final decision regarding their future, noting that consultations among stakeholders remain ongoing. He acknowledged, however, that the ADC is currently battling mounting legal and structural challenges.
Despite his departure, Obi reaffirmed his dedication to Nigeria’s progress, stressing that his priority remains addressing insecurity, poverty, displacement, and the welfare of ordinary citizens.
He ended his statement with his signature message of hope: “A new Nigeria is possible.”