Peter Obi Clarifies Position on Coalition for 2027 Elections: ‘I’m Not Against It’
The Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has clarified his stance on the idea of forming a coalition to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections, denying previous claims that he opposed such an initiative.
Earlier on Monday, Obi had reportedly rejected the efforts of other opposition leaders to form a coalition aimed at defeating the APC in the upcoming elections, during his participation at a two-day national conference on strengthening democracy in Abuja.
However, on Tuesday, Obi issued a statement through his spokesman, Ibrahim Umar, asserting that he had been misquoted. He expressed that his remarks had been distorted, creating a false narrative about his position.
Obi stated, “I have observed that my honest interview yesterday was misquoted by many media outlets, creating a false narrative that misrepresents my position. Let me set the record straight. I am not against coalition. In truth, I am for it, not for a power grab but to position Nigeria for greatness.”
The former governor of Anambra emphasized that his support for a coalition would be based on its ability to prioritize the welfare and progress of ordinary Nigerians. He explained that any coalition or alliance that only sought power for the sake of power, without a clear vision to improve the lives of the people, would be opposed by him.
“I have not, and will never advocate for any coalition or alliance that does not prioritise the welfare and progress of the ordinary Nigerian. Any discussion about governance must be centred on what it means for everyday Nigerians and how it will address critical issues such as access to quality healthcare and education and pulling people out of poverty,” Obi remarked.
He also stressed the need for leadership to focus on service, rather than self-interest, calling for a shift in how power is perceived in Nigeria. “It is not about grabbing it; it is about using it responsibly to transform lives and secure a brighter future for generations to come,” Obi concluded.
