Obi: My Exit from ADC Not Personal, Decries Toxic Political Environment
By Ojo Evans
_May 3, 2026_
Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has said his decision to leave the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was not due to any personal grievance with party leaders but because of what he described as a toxic political environment now affecting the party.
In a statement issued Saturday morning, Obi said he woke up “with a deeply reflective heart” and felt compelled to share his thoughts despite constraints. He lamented what he called the “silent pains” many Nigerians carry daily, including private struggles and emotional burdens, while trying to survive and serve in difficult circumstances.
According to him, Nigeria has become an environment where “the very system that should protect and create opportunities for decent living often works against the people.” He cited intimidation, insecurity, endless scrutiny, and discouragement as norms, adding that humility is mistaken for weakness, respect is seen as a lack of courage, and compassion is treated as foolishness.
Obi stressed that his exit from the ADC was not because of party chairman, Senator David Mark, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, or other leaders. “I will continue to respect them,” he said, noting that he has never used privilege or position to oppress others. “To me, leadership has always been about service, sacrifice, and helping others rise.”
He alleged that the same forces that created crises within the Labour Party, which forced his exit, “now appear to be finding their way into the ADC, with endless court cases, internal battles, suspicion, and division.” He said the focus has shifted from national problems to politics built on control and exclusion rather than service and nation-building.
The former governor decried being treated “like an outsider in one’s own home” despite sincere labour, and said honest contribution is often tolerated rather than appreciated. He added that even after leaving for the peace of others, “you are still maligned and your character is questioned.”
Obi said he is not desperate for political office but “desperate to see a Nigeria where people will not live in IDP camps but in their homes,” where citizens do not go to bed hungry, and where a mother can be consoled after her child is kidnapped or killed. He questioned why integrity, prudent management of resources, and obedience to the rule of law are misconstrued as weakness or stinginess.
Despite the challenges, he expressed optimism. “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,” he concluded, signing off as -PO.