By Hagxy Don
Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has denied claims that he is against forming a coalition to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027. The former Anambra State governor, who had earlier rejected opposition coalition efforts at a national democracy conference in Abuja, clarified his stance on Tuesday, insisting he was misrepresented.
In a statement issued by his spokesman, Ibrahim Umar, Obi said, “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.”
Obi emphasized that his vision for any political alliance must prioritize the welfare of Nigerians over mere political positioning. “I have not, and will never, advocate for any coalition or alliance that does not prioritize the welfare and progress of the ordinary Nigerian,” he stated.
He further criticized past alliances that were formed solely for political advantage without a clear agenda for governance, stressing that such power-hungry arrangements have worsened Nigeria’s challenges.
“Too often in our nation’s history, individuals and groups have come together solely for the purpose of taking power for power’s sake. Such endeavours, devoid of genuine purpose and vision, have only deepened our challenges, leaving the ordinary Nigerian to bear the brunt of bad governance. This is what I stand firmly against,” he said.
Obi reaffirmed that leadership should be about service, not self-interest, urging a shift in the perception of power. “It is not about grabbing it; it is about using it responsibly to transform lives and secure a brighter future for generations to come.”
With his clarification, Obi has attempted to realign himself with the opposition’s broader strategy while maintaining his ideological stance against politics for personal gain. Whether this will smooth tensions within the opposition remains to be seen.
Tags
News