The Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has dismissed the idea of forming a coalition with other opposition leaders ahead of the 2027 elections, stating his disinterest in “power grabbing.”
Speaking on Monday at the National Conference on Strengthening Democracy in Nigeria in Abuja, Obi emphasized that past coalitions in the country have been driven by selfish motives rather than genuine concern for the nation’s progress.
“For me, what is important is about the country. We must talk about the future of Nigeria. We abandoned the country and all we talk about now is power grabbing,” Obi said.
The former Anambra State governor stressed the need to focus on critical issues such as national security, education, and the well-being of ordinary Nigerians.
Obi lamented the state of democracy in the country, stating that its collapse is evident in the daily struggles of citizens and the uncertain future of Nigerian children. He urged Nigerians to actively participate in strengthening democracy, saying, “Whatever happens in democracy affects the citizens, their daily living, and the future of their children. So, we must all now get involved to make it work because it’s not working in Nigeria.”
On the monetization of politics, Obi called for urgent reforms, criticizing the practice as a driver of corruption. He noted, “Monetizing politics encourages stealing of public funds. If I steal and use it to win an election, I get all the power and immunity not to be prosecuted. We must stop this.”
Peter Obi’s stance reflects his commitment to addressing Nigeria’s systemic challenges and building a governance framework focused on the needs of the people.
