Former Anambra State governor and ex-presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has announced his resignation from the African Democratic Congress, attributing his decision to persistent internal challenges within the party and what he described as a worsening national political environment.
Obi made the announcement in a statement shared on Sunday via his X (formerly Twitter) account, explaining that the move followed a period of reflection over his experiences in Nigeria’s political space.
He said the current system has become increasingly difficult for reform-minded individuals, citing intimidation, insecurity and a culture of distrust as major obstacles to meaningful public service.
According to him, the political environment now works against the very people it is meant to serve, discouraging genuine efforts at national development.
The former governor also spoke about personal experiences within political parties, noting that individuals who publicly align with reform ideals often fail to maintain that support privately.
“Some who publicly identify with you may distance themselves behind the scenes or even join in unfair criticism,” he said, adding that humility is frequently misinterpreted as weakness in Nigeria’s politics.
Obi, however, emphasised that his decision to leave the ADC was not due to any personal disagreement with the party’s leadership. He expressed respect for former Senate President David Mark and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, noting that they had not treated him unfairly.
He instead blamed broader institutional issues, including ongoing legal disputes, internal divisions and what he described as the infiltration of unresolved political conflicts into the party.
“These challenges have shifted focus away from national issues to internal struggles,” he said, warning that such distractions hinder the party’s ability to provide credible alternatives to Nigerians.
Obi further clarified that his political ambition is not driven by the desire for office, but by a commitment to improving the lives of citizens.
“I am not desperate to be President, Vice President or Senate President. My priority is to see a Nigeria where people can live without fear, hunger or displacement,” he said.
Despite stepping away from the ADC, Obi reaffirmed his optimism about Nigeria’s future, maintaining that the country still has the potential for transformation under the right leadership.
“A new Nigeria is possible,” he stated.
His resignation comes amid ongoing realignments within opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, raising fresh questions about coalition efforts and the evolving political landscape.
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