Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in 2023, Peter Obi, has stated that he would only accept a merger with his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) counterpart, Atiku Abubakar, if it would serve the greater good of Nigeria.
Obi made this disclosure during an interview with NoireTV, an American multinational premium cable channel owned by CaspenMedia, at the weekend.
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Obi said, “On the issue of a merger and the coming together of parties, I have always said as long as any merger or any coming together is to better Nigeria and for governing properly, I am for it.
“If it is just a merger for election or state capture, I’m not for it. I am not desperate to be president, I am desperate to see Nigeria work, especially for the poor, because we have a lot of potential.”
The former Anambra governor emphasized that an alliance must be focused on improving governance and helping the poor, not just winning elections or for state capture.
He added, “If the merger is to be able to govern Nigeria properly on all those things that will make Nigeria a better place, I am for it. If the merger is to be able to govern Nigeria properly and work for all those things that would make Nigeria become a better place, I am for it.”
Obi’s comments come in the wake of Atiku’s statement that he would support Obi if the PDP decides it’s the South-East’s turn and selects Obi as its candidate in 2027.
In a recent interview with BBC Hausa Service. Atiku declared, “I have said repeatedly and I even said it before the 2023 general election that if the PDP decides to zone the presidential ticket to the South or South-East specifically, I won’t contest it. As long as it’s the decision of the party, I will abide by it.”
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Atiku further mentioned that a merger between the PDP and Labour Party was possible, but reiterated that members of the party would decide his fate in the 2027 general election. He also noted that his recent meeting with Obi might indicate a possible alliance leading up to the 2027 elections.
Obi commended Atiku for his statement, saying, “I commend Atiku for his statement, especially where he said he will support me if it goes to the South East.”
However, he emphasized that any potential merger or alliance must prioritize the greater good of Nigeria and focus on improving governance, particularly for the benefit of the poor.