The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi, has said his involvement in a planned opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general election is not for personal gain or political positions. Instead, he stated that his focus is on helping to remove bad governance and improve the quality of life for Nigerians.
This statement followed reports claiming that Obi had entered an agreement with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, in which he would serve as running mate in the next presidential election. The report also alleged that Atiku had agreed to a one-term presidency and would even sign a written commitment to that effect.
While the coalition efforts among opposition parties are ongoing, no official confirmation has been made public regarding any agreement between the two political figures. Sources say key opposition leaders, including Atiku and Obi, are still discussing how to form a strong and united political front to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 election.
Speaking on the matter during a public event in Abuja, where he donated N10 million each to support a school and hospital project run by the Anglican Church in Kubwa, Obi made his position clear.
He said, “I’m in coalition against hunger, a coalition against poverty, a coalition against ill health, politics for me is not about positions, it is about doing the right thing.”
He continued, “Whatever you make of it (the report), I can tell you that, I Peter, have told you where I stand. I just came back (from Rome), I didn’t talk about politics, I’m talking about the education of these children. I’m not talking about positions.”
Obi said Nigeria should focus more on solving key problems like education, health, and poverty instead of spending time on political gossip. He noted that corruption has deprived the country of the money needed for development.
The Obidient Movement, which supports Peter Obi, also addressed the rumors. In a statement, its Director of Strategic Communications, Nana Kazaure, denied the reports that Obi had agreed to be Atiku’s running mate.
She said, “The Obidient Movement has been inundated with calls from our members within and outside the country, including other members of the public, regarding a media publication claiming that our principal, Peter Obi, has been offered the running mate position to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in the new coalition being formed ahead of 2027.”
She added that while discussions about the coalition are ongoing with different partners and stakeholders, “there is no truth or basis to the reports whatsoever.”
According to her, Obi’s participation in any coalition is driven by a desire to fight bad governance, corruption, poverty, and poor healthcare—issues that affect ordinary Nigerians every day.
She concluded that Obi remains a member of the Labour Party and any change in his political platform would be announced by him personally. Kazaure also called on Nigerians and the media to stop spreading false stories and instead focus on building a better future for the country.
