- Safiu Kehinde
The 2023 Labour Party’s Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has announced his exit from the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
This is coming amid speculations of his possible defection to the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC).
Confirming the speculation in a statement issued on Sunday, Obi formally announced his membership withdrawal from the ADC.
The former Anambra governor cited the leadership crisis and unresolved litigation cases facing the party as reason behind his defection.
He clarified that the his decision was not borne out of any wrongdoing against him by the David-Mark led leadership of the party or former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Rather, Obi claimed the same undisclosed agents who allegedly forced him to leave the Labour Party that orchestrated the same internal crisis within the ADC which had again forced him to exit the party.
“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.” He said.
Meanwhile, Obi being unfairly criticised and pressurised by some of his associates within the ADC.
“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.” He said.
Obi further alleged being blamed alongside his support group, the Obidient Movement, over the party’s failure.
“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.” The former Anambra governor.
More details later…