ADC Anambra Chairman Quits Over Peter Obi’s Exit
The resignation of Chris Nwosu as Anambra State chairman of the African Democratic Congress has deepened concerns about the party’s stability, coming barely weeks after former presidential candidate Peter Obi departed from the ADC and triggering what analysts describe as a ripple effect across party structures in the South-East.
Nwosu, who had only recently assumed leadership of the party at the state level, made his exit formal through a resignation letter dated May 2, 2025, addressed to his ward leadership in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State. In the letter, he stated that remaining in the ADC was no longer consistent with his political convictions, citing Obi’s departure as the defining factor behind his decision.
“His decision was guided by the need to remain consistent with his principles and political direction,” the letter indicated, with Nwosu expressing his intention to continue supporting Obi’s vision going forward. He also acknowledged the support he received during his brief tenure and wished the party well.
Obi’s exit from the ADC had been widely anticipated to cause turbulence. The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential flagbearer, who had become a rallying figure for a broad coalition of opposition supporters, particularly young voters and grassroots mobilisers across the South-East, joined the ADC as part of efforts to build an alternative political platform ahead of 2027. His departure, reportedly driven by internal disagreements and legal uncertainties surrounding the party, has since unsettled the ADC’s foundations.
In Anambra, where Obi’s political influence remains considerable, the fallout has been especially pronounced. Several party members who aligned with him are reportedly reconsidering their positions, with Nwosu’s resignation standing out as the most senior casualty at the state level so far.
The timing is significant. Nwosu’s emergence as chairman had been viewed as a strategic step in the party’s plan to consolidate its grassroots presence ahead of the 2027 general elections. His resignation, coming so swiftly after that appointment, signals that the party’s internal difficulties run deeper than its leadership may have publicly acknowledged.
Political observers note that the situation is consistent with a familiar pattern in Nigerian politics, where party loyalty is frequently tied to the fortunes of key individuals rather than institutional identity. When prominent figures exit, structures built around their influence tend to weaken, sometimes rapidly.
The ADC, which had projected itself as a viable opposition platform capable of challenging the dominance of the APC and PDP, now faces questions about its cohesion and long-term relevance. Internal tensions, leadership disputes, and competing interests have continued to complicate efforts to build a unified front.
Some party leaders have, however, maintained that the ADC remains committed to its founding ideals and expressed confidence that internal restructuring would help restore stability. Whether those assurances translate into concrete action before 2027 remains to be seen.