• Peter Obi announced his resignation from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) citing internal crises, legal battles, and political tensions
• Obi described the Nigeria’s system as “increasingly toxic”
• He denied personal issues with party leaders like David Mark and Atiku Abubakar and insisted that he is not desperate for political office

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has formally announced his exit from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing deepening internal crises and growing concerns about Nigeria’s political climate.

In a statement shared on X on Sunday, May 3, Obi revealed that the decision followed a period of intense reflection and what he described as “silent pains” endured while navigating the country’s political landscape.

He painted a troubling picture of the current system, describing it as hostile to genuine service. “We now live in an environment that has become increasingly toxic, where the system that should protect and create opportunities often works against the people,” he said.

Obi also hinted at internal struggles within political spaces he has been part of, noting that public support does not always translate to private loyalty.

According to him, “Some who publicly identify with you privately distance themselves or join in unfair criticism,” adding that humility is frequently mistaken for weakness in Nigeria’s political arena.

Despite his exit, Obi was careful to distance his decision from any personal grievances with party leaders, including David Mark and Atiku Abubakar, both of whom he praised and said he continues to respect.

He explained that his resignation was instead driven by persistent internal disputes, legal battles, and political tensions that have continued to distract the party from addressing pressing national concerns.

Obi warned that the same forces that destabilised his previous political platform appear to be resurfacing within the ADC.

“Endless court cases, internal battles, suspicion, and division” have taken precedence over meaningful engagement with Nigeria’s challenges, he said, criticising a political culture focused more on control than service.

Obi further clarified that his political journey is not driven by ambition for office.

“I am not desperate to be President, Vice President or Senate President. I am desperate to see a Nigeria where people can live in dignity, without hunger, fear, or displacement,” he stated.

Reaffirming his optimism, Obi concluded with a familiar message of hope: “A new Nigeria is possible.”

Nigeria in “full-blown crisis”: Atiku moves to engage US stakeholders

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar confirmed plans to travel to the United States, where he intends to spotlight Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, economic struggles, and declining governance standards on the global stage.

During the visit, Atiku is expected to engage with key policy and institutional stakeholders, drawing attention to what he described as a growing national crisis.

The former vice president warned that Nigeria is currently facing a “full-blown internal crisis” that should no longer be ignored or politicised.