I’m not against coalition — Peter Obi Clarifies

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has clarified his stance on a potential coalition ahead of the 2027 polls. He emphasized that he’s not against the idea of a coalition, but rather, he’s for it, as long as it’s focused on positioning Nigeria for greatness, not just seizing power.

Obi stressed that any coalition or alliance must prioritize the welfare and progress of ordinary Nigerians, addressing critical issues like quality healthcare, education, and poverty alleviation. He’s firmly against alliances that only serve the interests of those in power, rather than the people.

“I have observed that my honest interview yesterday was misquoted by many media outlets, creating a false narrative that misrepresents my position,” he wrote.

“Let me set the record straight: I am not against coalition. In truth, I am for it not for power grab but to position Nigeria for greatness.

“I have not, and will never, advocate for any coalition or alliance that does not prioritize the welfare and progress of the ordinary Nigerian.

“Any discussion about governance must centre on what it means for the everyday Nigerian, how it will address critical issues such as access to quality healthcare, and education, and pulling people out of poverty.

“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. This is what I stand firmly against.

“Leadership must be about service, not self-interest. It must be about building a nation where opportunities abound for all, where justice and equity are non-negotiable, and where governance works for the people, not against them.

“As I have always maintained, 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.”

The clarification comes amid talks of a potential coalition of political parties aiming to wrest power from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections. Nigeria’s multi-party system is comprised of various parties, including the APC, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and others.