……says he not desperate to become president
By Jude Opara
Former governor of Anambra state and the 2023 presidential candidate of theare Labour Party, Peter Obi has formally announced his defection from the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Obi who in his verified X handle said he decided leave after a deep reflection, adding that he has found out that most of the people there have not been sincere and with different ideologies from what the country needs at a time like this.
He said while he is not desperate to become the president of Nigeria, he is rather desperate to see the country work for the people, irrespective of the party of the country they come from.
“Let me assure all that I am not desperate to be President, Vice President, or Senate President. 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.
“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.
“We 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.
“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”.
Obi further said many people have been cajoled into believing that humility is weakness and respect seen as a lack of courage.
“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”.
However, he explained that his decision to dump the ADC has nothing to do with the National Chairman, Sen. David Mark or former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other leaders of the party.
According to Obi, the same Nigerian state and its agents that created the crisis that rocked the Labour Party are finding their way into the ADC.
“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.
“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”.
The presidential hopeful said he has been forced severally to ask God in prayer if it’s wrong to have integrity and to do the right thing.
“There are moments I 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”?
Obi nevertheless assured his teeming supporters that he remains resolute and believes that a new Nigeria is possible, despite all the challenges.
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