Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has denied any ongoing merger talks with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), or any other party ahead of the 2027 elections. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the former Anambra State governor stressed that while no agreements have been reached, he urged patriotic Nigerians across the political spectrum to unite in 2027 to challenge the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Obi criticized the APC-led administration under President Bola Tinubu, accusing it of resource mismanagement, high public debt, and rampant corruption. He lamented the nation's insecurity, describing the persistent banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping-for-ransom as deeply troubling. Additionally, Obi highlighted the misuse of public funds in 2024 through excessive foreign trips by government officials, which he said compounded the country’s governance challenges.
Reflecting on the 2023 presidential election, Obi acknowledged the significant strides made by his party. Tinubu, who won 8.7 million votes across 12 states, outpaced his rivals, including Atiku Abubakar of the PDP, who garnered nearly 7 million votes, and Obi, who made history as a first-time contestant with over 6.1 million votes. Rabiu Kwankwaso of the NNPP, finishing fourth, secured a victory in Kano State with 1.5 million votes.
Obi noted the shared history of his and Kwankwaso’s defection from the PDP due to unresolved internal differences before the 2023 elections. He called for renewed collaboration among opposition forces to address Nigeria's challenges and ensure the country’s leadership serves the interests of its people.
