Former presidential candidate and leader of the Obidient movement, Mr. Peter Obi, has broken his silence on his departure from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), revealing the quiet struggles and emotional burdens that led to his decision.
In a lengthy and reflective statement issued on Sunday after attending church service, Obi said his decision to leave the ADC was not because of any ill-treatment by the party’s national chairman, Senator David Mark, nor by his elder brother and former Vice-President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, or any other respected leaders of the party.
“Let me state clearly: my decision to leave the ADC is not because our highly respected Chairman, Senator David Mark, treated me badly, nor because my leader and elder brother, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, or any other respected leaders did anything personally wrong to me. I will continue to respect them,” Obi said.
However, he expressed deep concern that “the same Nigerian state and its agents that created unnecessary crises and hostility within the Labour Party that forced me to leave now appear to be finding their way into the ADC.”
He lamented the endless court cases, internal battles, suspicion and division that have come to characterise the party, arguing that these distractions shift focus away from deeper national problems.
Obi described the current Nigerian environment as “increasingly toxic,” where the system that should protect and create opportunities for decent living often works against the people. He listed intimidation, insecurity, endless scrutiny and discouragement as having become normalised.
“More painful is when some of those you associate with, believing you would find understanding and solidarity among them, become part of the pressure you face. Some who publicly identify with you privately distance themselves or join in unfair criticism,” he said.
He lamented that humility is mistaken for weakness in Nigeria, respect is seen as lack of courage, and compassion is treated as foolishness. “A system where treating people equally is questioned simply because you refuse to worship status, tribe, class, or power,” he added.
Obi insisted that he has never looked down on anyone except to uplift them, and has never used privilege, position or resources to oppress others or intimidate the weak.
“To me, leadership has always been about service, sacrifice, and helping others rise,” he said.
He spoke of silent pains and private struggles, noting that even within spaces where one labours sincerely, one is sometimes treated like an outsider in one’s own home.
“When you choose to leave so that those you are leaving can have peace, and you step out into the cold, you are still maligned and your character is questioned,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor asked God in prayer why doing the right thing is often misconstrued as wrongdoing in Nigeria, why integrity is not valued, and why the prudent management of resources, especially when invested in critical areas like education and healthcare, is wrongly labelled as stinginess.
He also wondered why humility and obedience to the rule of law are often taken to be weakness rather than discipline.
In a firm disclaimer, Obi said he is not desperate to be President, Vice President or Senate President.
“I am desperate to see a society that can console a mother whose child has been kidnapped or killed while going to school or work. I am desperate to see a Nigeria where people will not live in IDP camps but in their homes. I am desperate for a country where Nigerian citizens do not go to bed hungry, not knowing where their next meal will come from,” he said.
Despite everything, Obi said he remains resolute, firmly believing 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.
