Peter Obi, the former Labour Party presidential candidate, has opened up about his decision to leave the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the “silent pains” and emotional burdens he carries daily while trying to serve in difficult circumstances.
In a lengthy statement posted on his X account on Sunday morning, Obi said he woke up after church with a “deeply reflective heart” and felt compelled to share his thoughts with Nigerians.
“I am not desperate to be President, Vice President, or Senate President,” Obi wrote. “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.”
Obi described Nigeria as an increasingly toxic environment where “the very system that should protect and create opportunities for decent living often works against the people.”
He lamented that intimidation, insecurity, endless scrutiny, and discouragement have become normalised in Nigerian society.
“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,” he said.
He added that he has never looked down on anyone “except to uplift them,” and that he has never used privilege, position or resources to oppress others.
Obi clarified that his decision to leave the ADC was not because of any personal ill-treatment from Senator David Mark, the party’s chairman, nor from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar or other respected leaders.
However, he said the same “Nigerian state and its agents” that created crises within the Labour Party — forcing him to leave — now appear to be “finding their way into the ADC.”
He cited endless court cases, internal battles, suspicion, and division as factors driving his departure.
“Even within spaces where one labours sincerely, one is sometimes treated like an outsider in one’s own home,” he wrote.
Obi posed several questions to the nation in his statement:
“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?”
He also questioned why humility and obedience to the rule of law are often taken as weakness rather than discipline.
Despite his frustrations, Obi reaffirmed his commitment to seeing Nigeria improve.
“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.
He expressed hope that Nigeria can still become a country with “competent leadership based on justice, compassion, and equal opportunity for all.”
He signed off with his trademark: “A new Nigeria is POssible. -PO”
Sources: Peter Obi’s X account (formerly Twitter)
