Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has explained his decision to leave the African Democratic Congress, ADC, saying he remains committed to building a Nigeria anchored on justice, compassion, and equal opportunity.

In a statement released Sunday morning, Obi said he was compelled to share his thoughts after church service, describing the weight of silent struggles that public figures endure. He lamented what he called an increasingly toxic environment where intimidation, insecurity, and endless scrutiny have become normal, and where humility and compassion are often mistaken for weakness.

Obi stressed that his departure from the ADC was not due to any personal wrongdoing by party leaders, including Chairman Senator David Mark and elder statesman Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, whom he said he continues to respect. Instead, he accused the same forces that created crises in the Labour Party of now infiltrating the ADC through court cases, internal divisions, and politics of exclusion rather than service.

The former Anambra governor said he is not desperate for public office but desperate to see a Nigeria where citizens do not live in IDP camps, where no child is killed going to school, and where no family goes to bed hungry.

“Despite everything, I remain resolute. I firmly believe Nigeria can still become a country with competent leadership based on justice, compassion, and equal opportunity for all,” Obi said. “A new Nigeria is POssible.”