Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, says the proposed political coalition forming among Nigeria’s top opposition figures is driven by a shared mission to rescue the country from its current challenges. Speaking during a live X (Twitter) Space hosted by ParallelFact on Sunday, Obi emphasized that the coalition’s goal is to prioritize Nigeria’s future above individual ambitions, and also talked about the candidacy of the coalition platform.
Obi: It’s Too Early to Say If I’ll Be the Coalition Candidate
Responding to questions about what he would do if the coalition fails to back him as its presidential candidate for the 2027 election, Obi said it was premature to discuss such matters. According to him, the coalition is still in its early stages and has not yet settled on a candidate or even adopted a formal political party platform.
“It’s not yet the stage where we decide who will fly the flag,” Obi explained. “For now, it’s about decent people coming together to work for the interest of the country. When the time comes, we will all be willing to make sacrifices to ensure that the best among us emerges as candidate.”
Coalition Talks Led by Atiku, El-Rufai, Amaechi, and Others
The proposed coalition, which brings together political heavyweights like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-governors Nasir El-Rufai and Rotimi Amaechi, aims to build a formidable front to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next general election.
Obi clarified that he has been part of every coalition meeting except when unavoidable travels kept him away. He said his participation shows his commitment to collective leadership.
“I have always consulted widely. Before I left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), I consulted. If I become president, I won’t act without consulting,” he stressed.
On the Coalition’s Next Steps
Obi disclosed that talks were underway to adopt a political party as the coalition’s official platform, noting that more parties were expected to join once they resolve their internal crises.
“The coalition is working to adopt a party, and very soon we will do that. Other parties are still dealing with their issues, but eventually they will come on board,” he said.
Pressed again on what his personal move would be if he does not clinch the coalition ticket, Obi replied, “I wish I could answer that, but it’s not yet time. When it is, I will consult widely, and you will know my next step.”
Putting Nigeria’s Interest First
Throughout the discussion, Obi underlined that his priority remains Nigeria’s stability and growth. He warned that without urgent action, the country risks worsening insecurity and economic hardship.
“If the coalition is not about stopping the killings in Benue and Zamfara, reviving our economy, making industries productive, and putting food on Nigerians’ tables, then count me out,” Obi declared. “Nigeria is at war — we have to do something about it.”
What This Means for the 2027 Race
With political temperatures already rising ahead of the 2027 elections, Obi’s remarks signal his cautious but open stance on coalition politics. While he remains a prominent figure in the opposition, he insists that any decision about candidacy will come only after thorough consultation with his team and supporters.