LAGOS, Nigeria (CHATNEWSTV) — Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, has dismissed media reports claiming he opposed a coalition of political forces to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections.
The former Anambra State governor, during a two-day national conference on strengthening democracy in Nigeria on Monday, stated he would not support any coalition formed solely for “power grabbing.”
However, Obi sought to clarify his position in a statement on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday, accusing media outlets of misquoting his earlier remarks and creating a false narrative.
“I have observed that my honest interview yesterday was misquoted by many media outlets, creating a false narrative that misrepresents my position,” Obi said. “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.”
The former governor emphasized that any coalition he would support must prioritize the welfare and progress of the Nigerian people, particularly addressing key issues like healthcare, education, and poverty alleviation.
“I have not, and will never advocate for any coalition or alliance that does not prioritize the welfare and progress of the ordinary Nigerian,” Obi said. “Any discussion about governance must be centred on what it means for everyday Nigerians and how it will address critical issues such as access to quality healthcare and education and pulling people out of poverty.”
Obi further criticized past coalitions that were formed without a genuine vision for the country. “Too often in our nation’s history, individuals and groups have come together solely for the purpose of taking power for power’s sake,” he stated. “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 concluded by reiterating that leadership should be about service, not self-interest. “It is not about grabbing it; it is about using it responsibly to transform lives and secure a brighter future for generations to come,” Obi said.
