IT’S OFFICIAL: Peter Obi Leaves ADC, Cites Internal Crisis and Division
Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has confirmed his exit from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing deepening internal challenges within the party.
TheCable had earlier reported that Obi, alongside Rabiu Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano State, was set to leave the ADC.
In a statement released on Sunday, Obi explained that his decision was driven by “endless court cases, internal battles, suspicion, and division” within the party.
He clarified that his departure was not due to personal grievances against key party figures.
“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,” he wrote.
Obi, however, expressed concern that the same systemic issues that plagued the Labour Party appear to be resurfacing within the ADC.
“The same Nigerian state and its agents that created unnecessary crises and hostility within the Labour Party now seem to be finding their way into the ADC,” he said. “Instead of focusing on pressing national issues, the party is entangled in internal conflicts and politics driven more by control and exclusion than by service and nation-building.”
Reflecting on his experience, Obi noted the challenges of working within political structures where genuine contributions are often undervalued.
“Even within spaces where one labours sincerely, one is sometimes treated like an outsider in one’s own home,” he said. “You and your team become easy targets for blame, as though honest contributions are merely tolerated rather than appreciated.”
He added that stepping away does not always shield one from criticism.
“When you choose to leave for the sake of peace, you are still maligned and your character questioned, despite your continued commitment to national development.”
Obi also raised broader concerns about societal values in Nigeria, questioning why integrity and prudent leadership are often misunderstood.
“There are moments I ask God in prayer: Why is doing the right thing often misconstrued as wrongdoing? Why is integrity not valued? Why is prudent management of resources labelled as stinginess? Why are humility and respect for the rule of law seen as weakness?”
Reaffirming his commitment to national progress, Obi stressed that his ambitions are not tied to political office.
“I am not desperate to be president, vice-president, or senate president,” he said.
“I am desperate to see a society that can comfort a mother whose child has been kidnapped or killed. I long for a Nigeria where citizens live safely in their homes, not in IDP camps, and where no one goes to bed hungry, uncertain of their next meal.”