By Oso Abidemi
Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Mr Peter Obi, has distanced himself from rumours of a power-sharing deal with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 elections, declaring that his focus is on rescuing Nigerians from poverty and bad governance—not on political titles.
Speaking in Abuja on Monday during the launch of a N20 million donation to support a school and hospital project by the Anglican Church in Kubwa, Obi said he is committed to building a coalition that addresses hunger, ill health, and illiteracy.
“I’m in a coalition against hunger, a coalition against poverty and ill health,” Obi said. “Politics for me is not about positions; it is about doing the right thing.”
Reacting to reports that he had agreed to serve as Atiku’s running mate with a promise that the former Vice President would serve only one term, Obi declined to confirm or deny such claims.
Instead, he reiterated that his engagement in the political space is driven by national interest and people-focused governance.
Obi’s position was reinforced by the Obidient Movement, which dismissed the reports as baseless.
In a statement by its Director of Strategic Communications, Nana Kazaure, the group said the story was “imaginary” and cautioned against sensationalism.
“There is no truth or basis to the reports,” Kazaure stated. “Peter Obi remains committed to building a united front against bad governance and remains in the Labour Party unless he declares otherwise.”
Meanwhile, Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, confirmed ongoing coalition talks but withheld details, saying opposition leaders are “keeping their cards close to their chest” as discussions continue.
As part of the emerging coalition’s framework, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is updating its constitution to allow immediate integration of new members.
Its National Chairman, Ralph Okey Nwosu, announced his decision to step aside for fresh leadership as the party prepares for a national convention.
The alliance is seen as a strategic push by opposition leaders to unseat the ruling APC in 2027—but for Obi, the real mission is about national rescue, not political bargains.
