Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has expressed his openness to collaborating with other politicians ahead of the 2027 elections, News About Nigeria reports.
In an interview with News Central, Obi said he is willing to work with anyone, including former New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) presidential candidate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, provided the collaboration prioritises serving the people over merely winning elections.
Obi said that his main concern is not personal ambition but ensuring that Nigeria functions effectively.
He stated, “Quite frankly, for me, I’m not desperate to be Nigerian president. I am desperate to see Nigeria work. If I see people who can do the work better, I will.
“I even have people who say I should not come out in 2027 and I said to them, offer yourself. And we will not put everybody on a scale.”
When asked about a potential partnership with Kwankwaso, Obi said he is open to working with any politician committed to fighting poverty and ensuring every Nigerian child has access to education.
However, he clarified, “If the collaboration is for state capture or just to win an election, I will not be part of it.”
“I will not join anybody for state capture or for winning the election. I want anybody to tell me how are we going to ensure that no child is left behind, how are we going to put those millions of out-of-school children back in school.”
Obi also dispelled rumours of leaving the Labour Party, affirming his continued membership.
“I would be here, and if anybody is coming for us to negotiate or to come together, they must tell me what their purposes are.”
This comes as Julius Abure, the Labour Party’s National Chairman, announced that the party’s 2027 presidential ticket is open to all qualified candidates, and Obi is not guaranteed the nomination.
Abure also noted that the party’s governor in Abia State, Alex Otti, is not assured of an automatic second-term ticket in 2027.
