Peter Obi Doesn’t Need PDP or Atiku’s Coalition to Defeat Tinubu – NLC

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared that Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, does not need a coalition with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or backing from political figures such as Atiku Abubakar and Nasir El-Rufai to secure victory in the 2027 presidential election. In an exclusive interview, Deputy President of the NLC Political Commission, Professor Theophilus Ndubuaku, stated that Obi remains a widely accepted and credible candidate capable of defeating President Bola Tinubu in a free and fair election.

Ndubuaku dismissed ongoing speculation about Obi returning to the PDP, describing the party as “crisis-ridden and near-empty.” He argued that Obi’s performance in the 2023 election, including a symbolic win in Tinubu’s stronghold of Lagos, reflects the Nigerian people’s desire for real change. “Peter Obi doesn’t need any coalition to win. He is a sellable candidate. If you recall, he was already coasting to victory in 2023 before the controversial glitches,” he said.

Ndubuaku emphasized that as long as the Independent National Electoral Commission ensures a fair electoral process in 2027, Obi is well-positioned to win. He also pointed to Obi’s extensive local and international networks as an asset for any future campaign. His remarks follow a renewed pledge of support from the Obidients Movement, whose National Coordinator, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, said the country urgently needs a leader like Obi to steer it out of economic hardship.

Responding to suggestions that Obi should rejoin the PDP, Ndubuaku warned against such a move, asserting that the Labour Party, despite recent internal disputes, is in a far more stable position than the PDP. He noted that the LP’s leadership issue involving Julius Abure had already been resolved by the Supreme Court, whereas the PDP continues to face deep-seated internal crises.

Ndubuaku also addressed concerns over zoning and power rotation, especially fears from the North about a potential eight-year presidency under Obi. He countered that Obi is known for his efficiency and is not power-hungry, stating, “Obi doesn’t need two years to revive Nigeria. He’s not desperate for power.”