Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has officially announced his departure from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), attributing the move to a "toxic" political climate and emerging internal fractures mirrored after his experiences with the Labour Party.

In a comprehensive statement released Sunday, the former Governor of Anambra State expressed deep concern over the current state of Nigerian politics, describing an environment increasingly defined by intimidation, insecurity, and systemic hostility toward genuine nation-building.

Internal Stability and External Pressures 

Obi clarified that his exit was not precipitated by personal animosity toward the party’s leadership. He specifically noted his continued respect for National Chairman David Mark and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Instead, he pointed to external interference as the primary catalyst for the party's recent volatility.

"The same Nigerian state and its agents that created unnecessary crises and hostility within the Labour Party... now appear to be finding their way into the ADC," Obi remarked.

He suggested that the ADC is beginning to suffer from the same "orchestrated divisions" and legal entanglements that plagued his previous political affiliations. By stepping away, Obi stated he intends to preserve the peace of the party and shield it from further scrutiny directed at his person.

A Critique of Political Culture

The statement also served as a broader critique of the Nigerian political establishment. Obi lamented a culture where:

• Service is seen as weakness: Integrity and humility are frequently misinterpreted by political actors.

• Meaningful contributors are marginalized: He highlighted the irony of individuals being treated as "outsiders" and scapegoated for systemic failures despite their significant contributions to their platforms.

Vision Over Ambition

Reaffirming his long-standing political philosophy, Obi emphasized that his motivations transcend the pursuit of high office. He pushed back against narratives of personal ambition, stating his focus remains on the humanitarian and economic crises facing the nation.

“I am not desperate to be President, Vice President, or Senate President. I am desperate to see a society that works for all,” he declared.

Obi concluded his address by highlighting the urgent need to address poverty, insecurity, and displacement. Despite the current challenges, he maintained a message of resilience, reiterating his core campaign mantra that "a new Nigeria is possible" under a leadership grounded in compassion and justice.