Peter Obi, a prominent figure in the Labour Party who vied for the presidency in previous elections, has broken his silence on rumors circulating in the media about his potential defection amidst growing discontent over the party’s leadership struggles as the 2027 election looms.
In Gombe State, addressing inquiries from journalists following his philanthropic gesture of donating a borehole to the ram market in Tike Pantami over the weekend, Obi reassured the public, dispelling concerns about his potential shift to the Social Democratic Party as he pursues his political aspirations.
Benson Upah, spokesperson for the Nigeria Labour Congress, conveyed the union’s stance, affirming that the ex-Anambra State Governor is at liberty to depart from the LP, emphasizing that the congress would not impede his decision to do so.
Upah said, “The right of choice is available to Mr Obi. If he chooses to leave the party, that is his preference. We can’t sit in judgment over him on that. But if he chooses to remain, of course, Peter Obi is an asset any day. I rest my case on that.”
Read also: Peter Obi Free To Leave LP, NLC Declares
However, in his reaction, Obi said, “No, there is no such thing. I’m for peace, I like peace. I believe we are one people. Our concentration should be on peace, and I believe that we will resolve all situations.”
While reacting to a possible collaboration with former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, the LP candidate said, “Well, I’m more interested now in Nigeria’s success today than tomorrow. We are always concentrating on the election rather than what Nigerians are going through. My commitment is about Nigerians living in a better society, given a better life, and that’s my concern.”
Decrying the increased electricity tariff for Band A consumers by the Federal Government through the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, Obi urged stakeholders to be strategic, saying, “We should all think it through, see how we can provide remedy. How we can deal with it, especially as it concerns the poor areas?
“Everywhere in the world, those living in Band A areas pay more while those in rural areas are subsidised. That is how it works.”