Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in Nigeria’s 2023 election, has clarified that his involvement in the opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 polls is not motivated by political positions but by a commitment to replace bad governance with better leadership.
Obi made the statement in response to a question by Vanguard on reports alleging he had struck a deal with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to serve as his running mate in the next election.
The report had claimed that Atiku agreed to serve only one term and was even prepared to sign a written agreement to that effect.
While speaking at an event in Kubwa, Abuja, where he donated ₦10 million each to a school and hospital project being undertaken by the Anglican Church, Obi neither confirmed nor denied the alleged pact.
He stated:
“I’m in a 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.
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) this morning. I didn’t talk about politics; I’m talking about the education of these children. I’m not talking about positions.
In this country, we are not talking about what we should be talking about. What we should be talking about is how we are going to educate our children.”
Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, described investments in education and healthcare as central to national development. He expressed concern that corruption continues to deprive Nigeria of critical resources needed for tackling poverty, hunger, and underdevelopment.
He also emphasized that faith-based schools deserve government support, noting that they play a vital role in delivering basic education as mandated by law.
Obidients Refute VP Deal Rumours
Reacting to the same reports, the Obidient Movement issued a strong refutation of claims linking Peter Obi to a vice-presidential pact with Atiku.
Nana Kazaure, Director of Strategic Communications for the movement, released a statement in Abuja on Monday, clarifying the group’s position.
“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.
Even as we know that the publication is imaginary to the author, we are tempted not to ignore it because of the possible far-reaching misconception it will have in the public space.
While frank and cordial engagements with our partners and stakeholders towards a coalition continue amicably, the Obidient Movement would like to state emphatically that there is no truth or basis to the reports whatsoever.”
The statement continued:
“Without any risk of contradiction, we would like to reiterate that Mr Obi has maintained that his objective and his involvement in a coalition are to provide a united front against and to tackle issues of bad governance, corruption, hunger, poverty, poor healthcare, out-of-school children and the myriad of other problems daily afflicting the people of Nigeria.
We want politics that is progressive, standing firmly with the people and serving the great people of Nigeria and not politics just for the sake of grabbing power.
At this point in time, Mr Peter Obi remains in the Labour Party, and if ever this changes, he will make that announcement himself.
The Obidient Movement would like to advise against sensationalism and speculation on these matters. At this difficult time, all Nigerians and the media, inclusive, should emphasise and contribute to building a better country.”
Coalition Details Still Secret — Atiku’s Camp
Meanwhile, Atiku Abubakar’s media adviser, Mazi Paul Ibe, confirmed to Vanguard in Abuja that while the coalition is taking shape, details are still under wraps.
“What I can confirm is that His Excellency Atiku Abubakar, His Excellency Peter Obi, and all the opposition leaders are working diligently towards building a viable and robust coalition platform.
The details are currently being ironed out, though I can’t confirm specifics at this stage. What I can say is that significant progress has been made, and it’s only a matter of time before the coalition is finalised and brought to fruition.”
On rumors of an agreement involving a one-term presidency and running mate deal, Ibe said:
“As for the issue of the platform and other related matters, these are being carefully worked out. At this point, I believe the leaders are keeping their cards close to their chest. However, once the coalition is fully established, all the details will be unveiled.”
ADC Makes Room for Coalition
The African Democratic Congress (ADC), a party reportedly under consideration as a potential coalition platform, is already adjusting its internal structures to accommodate new entrants.
National Chairman of the party, Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu, confirmed the development, stating:
“We will be having our national convention very soon, and I won’t be contesting for Chairman. I’m stepping down for fresh hands to take over.
We have also agreed to make it a lot easier for new members to come in and use our platform to contest elections.
Before now, you were required to spend at least two years as a member before contesting, but now, as soon as you join, you will begin to enjoy the rights and privileges of membership.”
As Nigeria’s political landscape begins to shape up ahead of 2027, these developments signal a brewing contest that could redefine the country’s opposition politics.
