Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, said he woke up after attending church with a deeply reflective heart and felt compelled to share his thoughts despite every constraint.
He described the hidden struggles many people endure daily, including emotional burdens and silent battles while trying to survive and serve sincerely in difficult conditions.
According to him, the environment has become increasingly toxic, where a system meant to protect people now works against them through intimidation, insecurity, constant scrutiny, and discouragement. Obi also noted that even those expected to show solidarity sometimes add to the pressure, while humility, respect, and compassion are often misunderstood or seen as weakness.
In a statement he posted on his X account, he said the Nigerian state and its agents created crises and hostility within political parties he has been involved in, forcing his exit and now influencing developments within the ADC. He clarified that his decision to leave was not due to any personal wrongdoing by party leaders, including Senator David Mark and Atiku Abubakar, whom he said he continues to respect. He pointed instead to ongoing internal conflicts, court cases, suspicion, and division, arguing that politics is being driven more by control and exclusion than by service and nation-building. He added that even after stepping away to allow peace, he continues to face criticism and attacks on his character despite his efforts to contribute sincerely to Nigeria’s progress.
He said he has never used his position or resources to oppress others, emphasizing that leadership for him is about service, sacrifice, and helping others rise. He questioned why integrity is often undervalued in Nigeria and why prudent management of resources in key areas like education and healthcare is wrongly criticized. He also asked why humility and respect for the rule of law are seen as weakness rather than discipline.
Obi stressed that he is not desperate to be President, Vice President, or Senate President, but is focused on seeing a Nigeria where citizens are safe, families are supported, and no one goes to bed hungry or is forced into displacement camps. Despite the challenges he outlined, he affirmed his belief that Nigeria can still achieve leadership built on justice, compassion, and equal opportunity for all.
