Peter Obi, the former Anambra governor and presidential candidate of the Labour Party in 2023, has emphasized that any potential merger with his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) counterpart, Atiku Abubakar, must prioritize the advancement of Nigeria’s governance and not solely focus on electoral victory.
In an interview with NoireTV, a premium cable channel, Obi clarified that his ambition for Nigeria’s progress outweighs personal aspirations for the presidency.
He commended Atiku’s openness to supporting him if the presidency were to be zoned to the South East.
However, Obi underscored the importance of a merger being centered on enhancing governance and addressing the needs of the poor, rather than merely seeking electoral triumph or state capture.
Obi reiterated his stance that he is not driven by a desperate desire for the presidency but is instead motivated by a genuine desire to see Nigeria thrive, particularly for the benefit of its less privileged citizens.
He expressed willingness to support any merger or alliance that genuinely seeks to govern Nigeria effectively and foster its development.
Atiku had previously expressed his willingness to support Obi if the PDP decided to zone the presidential ticket to the South or South-East. He reiterated this stance, emphasizing his commitment to abide by the party’s decision regarding the zoning of the presidency.
While Atiku acknowledged the possibility of a merger between the PDP and Labour Party, he emphasized that his fate in the 2027 general election would be determined by the members of his party.
However, he hinted at a potential alliance with Obi, following their recent meeting, suggesting the prospect of collaboration leading up to the 2027 elections.
