Mr Peter Obi, presidential hopeful, and 2023 Labour Party Presidential candidate has said that he left African Democratic Congress (ADC) because of 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 that contrary to the insinuations out there, his decision to leave the ADC is not because the highly respected Chairman, Senator David Mark, treated him badly, nor because, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, or any other respected leaders did anything personally wrong to him.
Obi added that the same Nigerian state and its agents that created unnecessary crises and hostility within the Labour Party that forced him to leave now appear to be found their way into the ADC.
The former Anambra State governor said that Nigerians now live in an environment that has become increasingly toxic, where the very system that should protect and create opportunities for decent living often works against the people—a society where intimidation, insecurity, endless scrutiny, and discouragement have become normal.
“Many people do not truly understand the silent pains some of us carry daily—the private struggles, emotional burdens, and quiet battles we face while trying to survive and serve sincerely in difficult circumstances,” Obi said.
He said that “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.”
He noted that Nigerians now 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.
According to Obi, he personally have never looked down on anyone except to uplift them and have never used privilege, position, or resources to oppress others, intimidate the weak, or make people feel small.
Obi while speaking more about leadership said that to him, leadership has always been about service, sacrifice, and helping others rise.
The 2023 LP presidential candidate said that even within spaces where one labours sincerely, one is sometimes treated like an outsider in one’s own home.
“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.”
Obi said that there are moments he ask God in prayer: “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? Why are humility and obedience to the rule of law often taken to be weakness rather than discipline?”
He assured all Nigerians that he is not desperate to be President, Vice President, or Senate President, but only esperate to see a society that can console a mother whose child has been kidnapped or killed while going to school or work.
“I am desperate to see a Nigeria where people will not live in IDP camps but in their homes. I am desperate for a country where Nigerian citizens do not go to bed hungry, not knowing where their next meal will come from.
“Yet, despite everything, I remain resolute. I firmly believe that Nigeria can still become a country with competent leadership based on justice, compassion, and equal opportunity for all.”
