Vanguard reports that Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s (LP) presidential candidate for 2023, has responded to increasing rumors about a potential political partnership with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections.
In an interview with Vanguard, Obi emphasized that his political activities are driven not by a quest for positions or personal ambitions, but by a commitment to replace what he calls “bad governance” with a more effective, people-focused administration.
His remarks were made in light of speculation that he had made an agreement with Atiku to serve as his running mate in the 2027 presidential election.
The reports indicated that Atiku had agreed to serve only one term if elected and was even prepared to sign a formal agreement to that effect.
Although the specifics of any potential coalition are not yet revealed, political insiders suggest that a broad opposition alliance is quietly forming, aimed at providing a strong challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming election cycle.
Despite the rampant speculation, Obi did not confirm the existence of such an agreement.
Instead, he took the opportunity to highlight his fundamental political principles and the issues he believes should be prioritized in national discussions.
At an event in Kubwa, Abuja, where he contributed N10 million each to a school and hospital construction project organized by the Anglican Church, Obi reaffirmed his dedication to social development and poverty reduction.
“I am part of a coalition fighting against hunger, poverty, and poor health,” Obi stated.
“For me, politics isn’t about holding positions; it’s about taking the right actions.”
His comments highlight a consistent message in his public appearances: that leadership should prioritize addressing issues rather than seeking political power.
He further criticized the national emphasis on political tactics instead of addressing critical matters like education and healthcare.
“Whatever you make of it (the report), I can tell you that, I Peter, have told you where I stand,” he said.
“I just came back from Rome, I didn’t talk about politics, I’m talking about the education of these children. I’m not talking about positions.”
Obi’s remarks illustrate his overarching political beliefs, which emphasize the importance of developing human capital instead of engaging in conventional political maneuvering.
He voiced his worries that the nation is preoccupied with gossip and power conflicts, rather than focusing on enhancing people’s lives through education and social services.
“In this country, we are not talking about what we should be talking about. What we need to focus on is how we will educate our children.” he added.
