The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has said the concern of all Nigerians, regardless of political affiliation or social status, should be the country’s economic survival rather than the next elections.
News About Nigeria reports that Obi made this statement while addressing a large gathering of party supporters during a solidarity visit to the Labour Party’s National Secretariat in Abuja on Tuesday.
The former Anambra State governor expressed concern that some politicians are too quick to focus on the next election cycle, neglecting the welfare and security of citizens.
He stressed that political parties exist solely because Nigeria exists, and it is everyone’s responsibility to work together to ensure the country’s survival. According to him, “Nigeria is the only country we have.”
Obi’s statement comes after his recent meetings with political allies in Abuja, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Governor of Jigawa State Sule Lamido, and former Senate President Bukola Saraki, all chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party.
However, the Labour Party leadership has announced that Obi has not yet shared the outcomes of these engagements.
In an interview with the Punch Newspaper, Labour Party National Chairman Julius Abure stated that he cannot confirm what was discussed during the meetings, as Obi has not briefed him.
Abure said that the party does not fear that these meetings could destabilise its camp, and Obi is free to interact with associates and friends across party lines in the country.
He said, “You know it is difficult to confirm anything at this stage until we see the character and shade of the alliance. So I am still waiting for Obi to discuss it with me. But whatever is the case, we are fine. If it is an alliance that will lead to a better country, why won’t we back it?”
Peter, in 2023, lost the presidential election to the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu.
