I’m Going Nowhere! Peter Obi On Labour Party Crisis

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BY SEGUN ADEBAYO – 

Former Governor of Anambra State and candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 presidential elections, Peter Obi, says he has no plans to dump the Party despite the current turbulence in its leadership structure

Reacting to media reports alleging that being unhappy with the leadership crisis may lead to his defection ahead of the 2027 elections, Obi allayed fears that he might head to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to pursue his ambition, insisting that he is always for peace.

The former governor, who was fielding questions from journalists in Gombe State shortly after donating a borehole to the ram market in Tike Pantami, said; “No, there is no such thing. I’m for peace, I like peace. I believe we are one people. Our concentration should be on peace, and I believe we will resolve all situations.”

On speculations about a possible collaboration with former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, the LP candidate said: “Well, I’m more interested now in Nigeria’s success today than tomorrow. We are always concentrating on the election rather than what Nigerians are going through. My commitment is about Nigerians living in a better society, given a better life, and that’s my concern.”

Also commenting on the Federal Government’s recent electricity tariff hike for Band A consumers by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Obi said stakeholders must be strategic, adding; “We should all think it through, see how we can provide remedy. How can we deal with it, especially as it concerns the poor areas?”

On the way forward, he said the relevant authorities must rethink their plans, noting that; “Everywhere in the world, those living in Band A areas pay more while those in rural areas are subsidised. That is how it works’’.

Forefront News recalls that amid the simmering crisis within the Labour Party, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) had said the former Anambra State governor was free to leave the Party, noting that the Congress would not stand in his way if he decided to tow that path.

Speaking through its spokesman, Benson Upah, the NLC said; “The right of choice is available to Mr Obi. If he chooses to leave the party, that is his preference. We can’t sit in judgment over him on that. But if he chooses to remain, of course, Peter Obi is an asset any day. I rest my case on that.”