In a political landscape where alliances are often forged in the pursuit of power, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has made it clear: he supports a coalition—but not one built on self-interest.
Obi’s position came under scrutiny after he initially dismissed efforts by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other opposition leaders to form a united front ahead of the 2027 elections. His rejection was widely interpreted as a refusal to collaborate, sparking debates about whether he was isolating himself politically.
However, in a statement posted on his official X account on Tuesday, Obi pushed back against the narrative, insisting that his words had been misrepresented.
“I have observed that my honest interview yesterday was misquoted by many media outlets, creating a false narrative that misrepresents my position,” Obi wrote. “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 Anambra governor, known for his disciplined approach to governance, emphasized that his reluctance was not about rejecting unity but about rejecting alliances without a clear vision for the people.
“Too often in our nation’s history, individuals and groups have come together solely for the purpose of taking power for power’s sake. Such endeavours, devoid of genuine purpose and vision, have only deepened our challenges, leaving the ordinary Nigerian to bear the brunt of bad governance,” he stated.
Obi’s clarification came a day after he spoke at a two-day national conference on democracy in Abuja, where he underscored the need for governance centered on the welfare of Nigerians. He reiterated that any coalition he supports must prioritize access to quality healthcare, education, and poverty alleviation.
“Leadership must be about service, not self-interest,” he said. “The New Nigeria is possible. But it requires us to change the way we think about power. It is not about grabbing it; it is about using it responsibly to transform lives and secure a brighter future for generations to come.”
As the 2027 elections approach, Obi’s words serve as both a call to action and a warning. In a political system where power often trumps purpose, he is challenging opposition leaders to rethink their motivations. Will they listen? Or will the push for coalition politics once again be just another scramble for power?
