By Jude Opara, Abuja
The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi has rejected the alleged offer of vice president position by former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, insisting that the only coalition he will be part of must not be about grabbing power, but on how to rescue the country from the misgovernance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement signed on Monday by Director, Strategic Communication & Media, Obidient Movement, Nana Kazaure the clarification became necessary following reports in a section of the media suggesting that Obi has been offered to vice president position to run on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with Abubakar.
“The Obidient Movement has been inundated with calls from our members within and outside the country, including other members of the public, regarding a media publication claiming that our principal, Peter Obi, has been offered the running mate position to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in the new coalition being formed ahead of 2027.
“Even as we know that the publication is imaginary to the author, we are tempted not to ignore it because of the possible far-reaching misconception it will have in the public space.
“While frank and cordial engagements with our partners and stakeholders towards a coalition continue amicably, the Obidient Movement would like to state emphatically that there is no truth or basis to the reports whatsoever.
“Without any risk of contradiction, we would like to reiterate that Mr. Obi has maintained that his objective and his involvement in a coalition, is to provide a united front against and to tackle issues of bad governance, corruption, hunger, poverty, poor healthcare, out of school children and the myriad of other problems daily afflicting the people of Nigeria.
“We want politics that is progressive, standing firmly with the people and serving the great people of Nigeria and not politics just for the sake of grabbing power”.
The statement further stated that Obi remains a member of the Labour Party, adding that should that situation changes, the former governor of Anambra state will personally announce such to Nigerians.
“At this point in time, Mr Peter Obi remains in the Labour party, and if ever this changes, he will make that announcement himself.
“The Obidient Movement would like to advise against sensationalism and speculation on these matters. At this difficult time, all Nigerians and the Media, Inclusive, should emphasise and contribute to building a better country”, the statement concluded.
