Peter Obi quits ADC, cites state agents sowing division

Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi announced on Sunday that he has resigned from the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The statement, posted on Obi’s verified X account, cited interference by agents of the Nigerian state as the primary reason for his departure.

Obi, who served as governor of Anambra State from 2006 to 2014, alleged that individuals infiltrated the Labour Party, creating “unnecessary crises, hostility, endless court cases, internal battles, suspicion and division.” He claimed these agents, after destabilising the Labour Party, are now seeking influence within the ADC. According to Obi, the focus of these actors is on “politics built more on control and exclusion” rather than addressing broader national challenges such as service delivery and nation‑building.

In his post, the former presidential candidate lamented what he described as a societal culture in Nigeria where humility is perceived as weakness, respect is equated with a lack of courage, and compassion is dismissed as foolishness. He stressed that he has never used his position, privilege or resources to oppress or intimidate others, adding that leadership, in his view, is fundamentally about service and sacrifice.

Obi clarified that his resignation was not motivated by personal grievances against ADC Chairman Senator David Mark, nor by any perceived wrongdoing by Atiku Abubakar, whom he referred to as “my leader and elder brother.” He affirmed continued respect for both politicians.

The former governor expressed a broader vision for Nigeria, emphasizing the need to address humanitarian concerns such as child abductions, internal displacement, and hunger. “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…a Nigeria where people will not live in IDP camps but in their homes,” Obi wrote.

Obi concluded by describing the current environment as “increasingly toxic,” where the state mechanisms meant to protect citizens often impede them, leading to intimidation, insecurity and relentless scrutiny for those striving to serve.

The resignation adds another dimension to Nigeria’s volatile political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections. Observers will watch how the ADC responds to the loss of a high‑profile figure and whether the alleged infiltration by state actors will influence intra‑party dynamics.