The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed his reasons why he may oppose the potential merger between the Labour Party and the Peoples Democratic Party, citing concerns about “state capture.”
Obi emphasized that he is not interested in pursuing mergers or alliances solely for the purpose of gaining power or winning elections.
The former Anambra State governor reiterates that he would, instead, prioritize upholding the values and principles of the Labour Party, which include promoting the welfare and interests of the Nigerian people.
While Obi did not rule out the possibility of collaborations or coalitions entirely, he made it clear that any such agreements would need to align with the Labour Party’s core values and prioritize the well-being of Nigerians.
His statement comes amid speculation about potential political alliances and mergers ahead of future elections.
“If it’s just a merger for election or state capture, I’m not for it or part of it, I don’t want to be part of anything like that,” Obi said.
“I’m not desperate to be president, I’m desperate to see Nigeria work, especially for the poor people because we have a lot of potential.
“If the merger is to be able to govern Nigeria properly, unlock all those things that will make Nigeria a better place, I’m for it,” he added.
Obi harped on the importance of unity and cooperation among individuals and parties, but only if the objective is to build a better Nigeria.
He said, “It might be at the party level, it might be at the individual level, might be at any level, but we must come together to be able to build a better Nigeria.”
Meanwhile, there have been rumours of a possible merger between the PDP and the Labour Party.
The conversation began following a private visit between Obi and PDP’s Atiku Abubakar in Abuja.
In an interview on NoireTV-GlobalBlackTV released on YouTube on Saturday, Obi also reacted to the prospect of being supported as a south-east candidate in the 2027 presidential election by Atiku.
Responding to the interviewer’s question, Obi expressed gratitude for Atiku’s statement about potentially supporting him as a result of the south-east candidate.
“I commend him and I’m grateful for his statements, especially where he said he will support me if it (the presidential ticket) goes to the south-east,” Obi said.
However, Obi emphasised that his primary concern is not personal ambition or political maneuvering, but rather the well-being of Nigeria and its people.