Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, has expressed openness to the possibility of a merger between the LP and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In an interview on NoireTV-GlobalBlackTV, Obi discussed the potential alliance and the prospect of being supported as a South-East candidate in the 2027 presidential election by Atiku Abubakar, the PDP’s 2023 flagbearer.
“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 acknowledged.
Despite this, Obi emphasized that his primary concern lies not in personal ambition or political maneuvering but in the well-being of Nigeria and its people. “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 stated.
Regarding a potential merger between the PDP and LP, Obi expressed his willingness to consider the idea, provided that the objective is to better govern Nigeria and unlock its vast potential.
“If the merger is to be able to govern Nigeria properly, unlock all those things that will make Nigeria a better place, I’m for it,” he said.
However, Obi made it clear that he has no interest in mergers or alliances solely aimed at securing power or winning elections.
“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 asserted.
Obi’s remarks highlight his commitment to improving Nigeria’s governance and his focus on the nation’s development rather than personal political gain.