Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate from the 2023 general elections, has highlighted that any potential merger between the LP and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) must prioritise the nation’s interests.
In a recent interview on NoireTV-GlobalBlackTV, Obi addressed the idea of being endorsed as a Southeast candidate for the 2027 presidential election by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who was the PDP’s candidate in 2023.
Obi emphasised that the merger should aim to benefit the country rather than just serve electoral ambitions or power grabs. “If the merger is to govern Nigeria properly and unlock all those things that will make Nigeria a better place, I’m for it. 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,” he stated.
This statement follows his recent meeting with Atiku and the All Progressives Congress (APC) response, accusing Atiku and Obi of being driven by a mutual desperation to become president of Nigeria.
Obi expressed gratitude for Atiku’s willingness to support him as a Southeast candidate, saying, “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 reiterated that his main concern is not personal ambition but the well-being of Nigeria and its citizens. “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,” he said.
He underscored the importance of unity and collaboration among individuals and parties, provided that the goal is to create a better Nigeria. “It might be at the party level, it might be at the individual level, it might be at any level, but we must come together to be able to build a better Nigeria,” Obi concluded.