Olayiwola Matthew
A former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has announced his exit from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing what he described as an increasingly toxic political environment and recurring structural crises within Nigeria’s political space.
In a reflective Sunday statement released after his church service, Obi said his decision was not driven by personal grievances against any political leader, but by broader concerns about the direction and internal dynamics of the party.
He specifically clarified that his departure was not due to any ill-treatment from prominent political figures, including Senator David Mark or former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, noting that he continues to hold them in high respect.
According to him, his exit followed what he described as familiar patterns of internal disputes, legal battles, suspicion, and division that have often undermined political parties in Nigeria, making meaningful focus on governance and national development difficult.
Obi lamented that even in political spaces where individuals strive to contribute sincerely, they are sometimes treated as outsiders and subjected to persistent blame for systemic failures.
He further expressed concern over what he termed a growing culture of misjudging integrity, where humility is mistaken for weakness and prudent leadership decisions are wrongly interpreted.
Reiterating his broader philosophy, Obi said he has never been motivated by personal ambition for political office, insisting instead that his focus remains on building a more functional and humane society.
“I am not desperate to be President, Vice President, or Senate President,” he stated, adding that his real desire is to see a Nigeria where citizens live in safety, children are not kidnapped on their way to school, and no one is forced into hunger or displacement.
Despite his exit from ADC, Obi maintained that he remains committed to the Nigerian project and optimistic about the country’s future, insisting that a better nation is still achievable.
