Former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has hinted that he will not be part of any emerging opposition coalition aimed at challenging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.

Instead, he has declared his intention to once again seek the presidency on the platform of the LP.

In a video circulating on the party’s WhatsApp platform and recorded by a television station, Obi was seen to be addressing a group of young supporters, assuring them of his continued political commitment through the Labour Party.

The former Anambra State governor also suggested that the internal crises currently affecting both the Labour Party and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are being fueled by external interference from the federal government.

He described these divisions as deliberate tactics aimed at weakening the opposition ahead of the next general election.

Responding to a question on which platform he intended to contest the 2027 elections, Obi said, “I will still continue to run in the Labour Party. I’m a member of the Labour Party.”

Answering another question from a youth who was apparently disturbed about what appears to be Obi’s indifference towards the LP’s crisis, Obi said, “What is happening in the Labour Party and the PDP is caused by the government. Quote me anywhere.

“We had a problem in our party before, in the past, (Umaru) Yar’Adua was the president. I went to him then. He called the (then) INEC Chairman Prof. Maurice Iwu and told him I don’t want any problem in any party. We were forced to fix it.

“But today, in all the parties, there are problems. These are deliberate problems caused by the system. These are some of the things I want to clean up if I have the opportunity. Parties will function very well because you can’t have a system working without a strong opposition.”

He urged Nigerians to take responsibility for ensuring that their votes count, because even if agents are paid by political parties to look after their interests, the ultimate decision about the people’s votes counting rests with voters.

He also urged Nigerian youths and the electorate not to be discouraged because positive change will also be resisted by those who are beneficiaries of the old order.

The former Anambra State governor said that, left to him, there should be a retirement age for politicians seeking public office.

He said by the time the 2027 election holds, he would be 65 years old, and that he would not want to be contesting for elections in his 70s.

Obi’s comments come amid reports of a potential opposition coalition involving political figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai and others.

The proposed coalition was allegedly leaning toward adopting the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its platform for 2027 elections.

Meanwhile, a North-Central Region of Nigeria Supporters for Peter Obi, has categorically told the Labour Party’s Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, to reject the purported vice presidential slot offer by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ahead of the 2027 polls.

Its Chairman, Bitrus Samuel and Secretary Murtala Ndagi, in a statement, raised ethical and political concerns about such an alliance, describing it “as a threat to Obi’s credibility” and the movement for a new Nigeria.

They expressed deep unease over the implications of Obi partnering with Atiku, particularly in light of his political inconsistency in switching political parties.


Samuel said: “The North-Central region of Nigeria supporters for Mr. Peter Obi Group, feel compelled to address a matter of significant urgency and concern regarding the future of our nation and the political integrity of a leader we believe in.

“As the political landscape in Nigeria continues to evolve, we wish to caution Mr. Obi against accepting the offer of a vice-presidential role in a proposed joint single-term ticket with Atiku Abubakar.

“Mr. Obi, your unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and the upliftment of the Nigerian populace stands in stark contrast to the allegations and controversies surrounding Mr. Abubakar.

“Integrity is paramount in a nation striving for reform and renewal. Your supporters view your integrity as a beacon of hope in a political landscape often characterized by greed and betrayal.

“Moreover, the implications of such an alliance extend beyond personal reputation. It is essential to consider the potential fallout among your supporters, particularly in the North-Central region, where trust in political leaders has been severely eroded by years of mismanagement and corruption.

“Many of us have placed our faith in you as a leader who embodies the values of honesty and accountability. Accepting a vice-presidential role under Atiku’s banner could alienate your base, leaving us disillusioned and disheartened.

“The relationship between Atiku Abubakar and the United States further complicates matters.

“The perception of a leader with such a checkered past could have dire consequences for our collective security and stability.

“As supporters, we have witnessed the devastating impact of corruption on our communities. We have seen how it perpetuates poverty, stifles economic growth, and erodes the fabric of our society.

“We cannot, in good conscience, support a ticket that may inadvertently endorse a legacy of corruption and mismanagement.

“Our collective aspiration for a new Nigeria, one built on the tenets of good governance, must not be compromised.

“We urge Mr. Obi to reflect on the long-term implications of this potential alliance. While the allure of power and political expediency may tempt him to accept the vice-presidential offer, we implore him to consider the broader picture.

“The path to true leadership is often fraught with difficult decisions, and it is essential to remain steadfast in the commitment to the principles that have guided him thus far.”

He concluded by reiterated their continued support for Obi as a symbol of hope, reform, and clean governance, urging him to remain true to the ideals that galvanized the Obidient Movement nationwide.

“We stand united in our quest for a better Nigeria, and we hope that Mr. Obi will choose a path that upholds the values we hold dear.”