By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has announced his resignation from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing internal crises, political hostility and what he described as a toxic national environment that frustrates sincere efforts at service.
Obi made the disclosure in a personal statement released on Friday morning,1 May,2026 after attending church service.
In the message addressed to Nigerians, he said he woke with a reflective heart and felt compelled to explain the circumstances behind his decision to quit the party and seek a new political path.
He said many Nigerians do not understand the private struggles faced by individuals trying to serve honestly under difficult conditions, noting that the nation has become increasingly hostile to people with genuine intentions.
According to him, the system that ought to protect citizens and create opportunities for decent living now works against the people, while intimidation, insecurity, endless scrutiny and discouragement have become commonplace.
“We now live in an environment that has become increasingly toxic, where the very system that should protect and create opportunities for decent living often works against the people,” Obi said.
He further lamented that some associates who publicly identify with reform-minded causes often distance themselves privately or join in unfair criticism.
“More painful is when some of those you associate with, believing you would find understanding and solidarity among them, become part of the pressure you face,” he stated.
The former Anambra State governor said humility is often mistaken for weakness in Nigeria, while compassion is treated as foolishness and respect as lack of courage.
He maintained that throughout his public life, he had never used privilege, office or resources to oppress others, stressing that leadership should be rooted in sacrifice and service.
“Personally, I have never looked down on anyone except to uplift them. I have never used privilege, position, or resources to oppress others,” he said.
Obi, however, clarified that his departure from ADC was not due to any personal conflict with the party’s national leadership.
“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.
Rather, he alleged that the same forces which created turmoil within the Labour Party had begun to infiltrate ADC through court cases, internal wrangling, suspicion and division.
He said instead of focusing on pressing national issues, politics in Nigeria has become centred on control, exclusion and personal interest.
“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,” Obi stated.
He also complained that sincere contributors are sometimes treated as outsiders within political spaces where they work diligently, adding that they are often blamed for every failure or misunderstanding.
“And when you choose to leave so that those you are leaving can have peace, and you step out into the cold, you are still maligned and your character is questioned,” he said.
Obi said he often asks why integrity, prudence and obedience to the rule of law are frequently misinterpreted in the country.
“There are moments I ask God in prayer: Why is doing the right thing often misconstrued as wrongdoing in our country? Why is integrity not valued?” he queried.
The former presidential contender insisted he is not desperate for political office, but passionate about building a nation where citizens live in safety and dignity.
“Let me assure all that 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,” he said.
He added that he longs for a Nigeria where citizens no longer live in displaced persons camps, where hunger is reduced, and where equal opportunity is guaranteed.
Despite his grievances, Obi said he remains hopeful that the country can still attain competent leadership built on justice, compassion and fairness.
“A new Nigeria is possible,” he declared.
