Breaking: Peter Obi Confirms Leaving ADC, Gives Reason
- Peter Obi has announced his departure from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing internal crises and political pressures as the main reasons
- In a heartfelt statement shared on May 3, 2026, he explained that his decision was not due to personal grievances with party leaders but rather the toxic environment within the party
- Despite the challenges, Obi reaffirmed his commitment to building a just and compassionate Nigeria, declaring, “A new Nigeria is POssible”
On May 3, 2026, Peter Obi announced on X that he has officially left the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In his statement, Obi explained that his decision was not due to personal grievances with party leaders but rather because of internal crises and political pressures affecting the party.
Source: Twitter
Why Peter Obi left ADC
Obi highlighted that the same issues which forced him out of the Labour Party have now surfaced within the ADC. He pointed to “endless court cases, internal battles, suspicion, and division” as reasons for his departure. According to him, these challenges distract from solving Nigeria’s deeper national problems and instead promote politics based on control and exclusion.
In his message, Obi spoke about the struggles of leadership in Nigeria, describing the environment as toxic and discouraging. He noted that humility is often mistaken for weakness, while integrity and discipline are undervalued. He expressed disappointment that sincere contributions are sometimes treated as a burden rather than appreciated.
He wrote:
“Let me assure all that I am 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.”
Source: Twitter
Respect for party leaders
Obi made it clear that his decision was not influenced by ADC leaders. He emphasised his continued respect for Senator David Mark, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and other respected figures, stating that none of them treated him badly.
Despite the challenges, Obi reaffirmed his commitment to building a better Nigeria. He expressed hope for competent leadership based on justice, compassion, and equal opportunity. He concluded his statement with optimism: “A new Nigeria is POssible.”
See the full statement below:
Fellow Nigerians, good morning.
I woke up this morning after my church service with a deeply reflective heart, and despite every constraint, I felt compelled to share these thoughts with you.
Many people do not truly understand the silent pains some of us carry daily—the private struggles, emotional burdens, and quiet battles we face while trying to survive and serve sincerely in difficult circumstances.
We now live in an environment that has become increasingly toxic, where the very system that should protect and create opportunities for decent living often works against the people—a society where intimidation, insecurity, endless scrutiny, and discouragement have become normal.
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.
We live in a society where humility is mistaken for weakness, respect is seen as a 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.
Personally, I have never looked down on anyone except to uplift them. I have never used privilege, position, or resources to oppress others, intimidate the weak, or make people feel small. To me, leadership has always been about service, sacrifice, and helping others rise.
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.
However, 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, with endless court cases, internal battles, suspicion, and division, instead of focusing on deeper national problems and playing politics built more on control and exclusion than on service and nation-building.
Even within spaces where one labours sincerely, one is sometimes treated like an outsider in one’s own home. You and your team become easy targets for every failure, frustration, or misunderstanding, as though honest contribution has become a favour being tolerated rather than appreciated.
And 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. Despite all your efforts to continue working for a better Nigeria and engaging people with sincerity and goodwill, those who do not wish you well continue to attack your character and question your intentions.
There are moments I ask God in prayer: Why is doing the right thing often misconstrued as wrongdoing in our country? Why is integrity not valued? Why is the prudent management of resources, especially when invested in critical areas like education and healthcare, wrongly labelled as stinginess? Why are humility and obedience to the rule of law often taken to be weakness rather than discipline?
Let me assure all that I am 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.
Yet, despite everything, I remain resolute. I firmly believe that Nigeria can still become a country with competent leadership based on justice, compassion, and equal opportunity for all. A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO
See the X post below:
Kwankwaso speaks on defection
Legit.ng earlier reported that Rabiu Kwankwaso, the former governor of Kano state, has addressed reports that he would be dumping the African Democratic Congress (ADC), saying that he was still engaging with relevant stakeholders and partners to decide his next political move.
Kwankwaso, who was the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), said he left the party for the ADC over legal issues and explained that his new party is in the same dilemma. Consequently, he disclosed that he was in discussions with the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP).
Source: Legit.ng
