Presidential aspirant Peter Obi has left the African Democratic Congress ahead of the 2027 general election.
Obi announced his decision on Sunday in a statement posted on his official X page. He said Nigeria’s political space has become toxic, with rising hostility, fear, and pressure inside party structures.
The former Anambra State governor contested for president under the Labour Party in 2023. He said the same forces that created crisis in the Labour Party are now affecting the ADC. He mentioned endless court cases, internal battles, suspicion, and division as reasons for his exit.
Obi stated clearly that he left on good terms with party leaders. He said ADC National Chairman, Senator David Mark, did not treat him badly. He added that he still respects his leader and elder brother, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and other party elders.
He blamed his exit on the Nigerian state and its agents. He said they are causing crisis and division in the ADC instead of focusing on national problems. According to Obi, politics in Nigeria is now built more on control and exclusion than on service and nation-building.
Obi also spoke about the personal pain of politics. He said people who try to serve with honesty face attacks, false claims, and silent battles. He noted that in Nigeria today, humility is seen as weakness, respect is seen as lack of courage, and compassion is treated as foolishness. He said he has never used privilege or position to oppress others and sees leadership as service and sacrifice.
He stressed that he is not desperate to be president, vice president, or senate president. He said he is desperate to see a Nigeria where no mother cries over a kidnapped or killed child. He wants a country where people live in their homes and not in IDP camps, and where no citizen goes to bed hungry.
Despite the challenges, Obi said he remains hopeful. He believes Nigeria can still have competent leaders who value justice, compassion, and equal opportunity for all.
Obi’s decision follows weeks of media reports that he planned to leave the ADC for the newly registered National Democratic Congress. He joined the ADC about six months ago alongside former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso.
Obi did not announce his next political party. Kwankwaso said he and his team have not made a final decision on their political future. He admitted the ADC is facing serious legal and structural challenges.
Obi concluded his statement with the phrase: "A new Nigeria is possible."
Read full statement here