Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has announced his resignation from the African Democratic Congress, citing worsening internal disputes within the party and what he described as a troubling political atmosphere in the country.

In a statement shared on X on Sunday, Obi said the decision followed deep personal reflection and what he called the “silent pains” he had endured while navigating Nigeria’s political space.

He said the country’s political environment has become increasingly toxic, marked by intimidation, insecurity, suspicion and discouragement, warning that such conditions often work against genuine public service and national progress.

“We now live in an environment that has become increasingly toxic, where the system that should protect and create opportunities often works against the people,” Obi stated.

The former governor of Anambra State said he had also faced internal pressure and criticism within political platforms he had joined in pursuit of reform-oriented leadership and national solidarity.

“Some who publicly identify with you privately distance themselves or join in unfair criticism,” he said, adding that humility is too often interpreted as weakness in Nigeria’s political culture.

Obi, however, clarified that his decision to leave the party was not triggered by personal grievances with the party’s leadership, including former Senate President David Mark and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

“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 said.

According to Obi, the decision was informed by what he described as the infiltration of unresolved political conflicts, endless court cases and recurring internal battles that have distracted the party from addressing more urgent national concerns.

He argued that the same forces that created instability within the Labour Party now appear to be finding their way into the ADC, resulting in division, suspicion and politics driven more by control and exclusion than service and nation-building.

Obi also stressed that he is not driven by personal ambition for office, insisting that his commitment remains the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.

“I am not desperate to be President, Vice President or Senate President. I am desperate to see a Nigeria where people can live in dignity, without hunger, fear or displacement,” he stated.

Despite his resignation, Obi reaffirmed his belief that competent, compassionate and purposeful leadership remains possible in the country.

“A new Nigeria is possible,” he declared.