Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in Nigeria’s 2023 election, has responded to critics following his departure from the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a statement on Sunday, Obi responded to those suggesting he is desperate to become president, emphasising that his political moves are principle-driven and not motivated by personal ambition.
He clarified that his exit from the ADC was based on ideological differences and a commitment to good governance, not a frantic search for a presidential ticket.
He clarified that his decision to leave ADC was not because he had any problem with any of the party leaders, including former Senate President, David Mark, and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar (who is currently aspiring to contest for president in 2027).’ He said he will continue to hold them in high regard.
Obi, however, cited worsening internal crises within the party, which he alleged were created by the same agents of the “Nigerian state” who also masterminded the crisis in the Labour Party that forced him to leave and move to ADC.
According to him, the crises in ADC manifest in the forms of “endless court cases, internal battles, suspicion, and division.”
He said that instead of focusing on tackling deeper national challenges, rendering public service and nation-building, they are busy “playing politics built more on control and exclusion.”
He described a worrisome trend in the country in which humility and respect for the rule of law is seen as weakness and a lack of courage, and compassion as foolishness.
He said leadership is all about service, sacrifice, and helping others rise, not using privilege, position, or resources to oppress people and intimidate the weak.
The former Anambra State governor also stated that he had been subjected to unfair criticism and internal pressure even from associates, whom he believed he had gained their understanding and solidarity.
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“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.”
Obi maintained that his focus remains on building a better Nigeria and dismissed any claims of desperation as baseless.
“Let me assure all that I am not desperate to be President, Vice President, or Senate President,” Obi stated in a statement posted on his official X handle.
“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. 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,” he added.
