BENIN CITY, Nigeria — The political landscape in Nigeria was abuzz with rumors of alliances and mergers.
Still, Peter Obi, the presidential candidate for the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, put speculations to rest at a mega rally in Edo State on Monday, August 21, 2023.
Addressing reports that he was in coalition talks with heavyweight politicians, Atiku Abubakar and Rabiu Kwankwaso, Obi affirmed his unwavering commitment to the Labour Party.
Amidst a sea of party flags and a roaring crowd, Obi stated, “Labour Party will continue to grow. We will continue to go stronger (and) better. Half of the things you hear everywhere are rumours, don’t listen to them.”
He further expressed his vision for the nation, promising a new direction for Nigeria, focused on shifting “from consumption to production.” His words were met with fervent cheers from the attendees.
This development comes in the wake of the February 25 presidential election, where Obi secured third place.
President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, APC, clinched the victory, followed by Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the second position.
The final tally by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, had Kwankwaso of the New Nigerian Peoples Party, NNPP, finishing fourth.
Post-election tensions have risen, with both Atiku and Obi challenging the INEC-declared results in court.
With the verdict pending, rumors swirled on Monday about potential collaborative plans between Atiku, Obi, and Kwankwaso to challenge the APC’s stronghold in the 2027 election.
Reports suggested that this trio is adopting a ‘wait and see’ approach, with the court’s decision on the election dispute being a determining factor for their next strategic move.
Yet, amidst the political whirlwind, Obi focused on the forthcoming Edo local government elections.
Drawing from his tenure as the governor of Anambra State, he advised Labour Party contestants to be men and women of their words.
“Those of you contesting, go and tell the people what you will do and whatever you say, if you succeed, do it. No more promise-and-fail,” Obi emphasized, adding, “The time for fake promises has passed in this country; we don’t want anybody to promise us fake things now. Anything you promise you must deliver.”
With Nigeria’s political dynamics evolving rapidly, observers and citizens alike wait in anticipation of the court’s verdict and its potential implications on the nation’s future leadership.
