In a recent interview, Peter Obi, the last general election presidential candidate of the Labour Party, said he is open to a potential merger between his party and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
This comes after he undertook what close associates described as “private visits” to the homes of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Jigawa State governor Sule Lamido in Abuja.
In the interview on NoireTV-GlobalBlackTV, released on YouTube on Saturday, Peter Obi said he is willing to explore a merger if it would improve governance and unlock Nigeria’s 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,” Peter Obi stated.
He made it clear that his support for the merger would depend on it placing more focus on efficient governance than on gaining political 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 added.
Obi also addressed the possibility of receiving support as a Southeast presidential candidate in the 2027 elections.
He expressed gratitude to Atiku Abubakar, the PDP candidate in the previous election, for his willingness to back a Southeastern candidate.
“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 said.
The former governor of Anambra State reiterated that his primary concern is the well-being of Nigeria and its people, rather than personal political ambition.
“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.
It’s worth noting that Peter Obi served as Atiku’s running mate during the 2019 presidential election.
