Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has reiterated that he is only interested in political coalitions that improve governance, not those merely for power grab by elite politicians.
Obi clarified his position on Monday, January 27, in Abuja while speaking with reporters on the sidelines of a two-day National Conference on Strengthening Democracy in Nigeria.
Political talks have been held to form a new coalition to oust President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general election.
The APC, which has been in power since 2015, has been blamed for widespread poverty and worsening security situations.
Focus Should Be on Governance
Obi, the former governor of Anambra State, said that politicians should prioritize eradicating poverty, fixing public schools and hospitals, and ensuring the security of lives and property.
“Well, for me, what is important is, let’s discuss Nigeria. Whether we are going to do a coalition… let’s talk about the country’s future. But often, we abandon the country and what we need to do and talk about a power grab,” he said.
He added, “I’m not interested in any coalition for the purpose of taking power. It is about discussing Nigeria. How do we care about securing the Nigerians, the common person in Nigeria? How do we care about our children being in school? These are the most important things for now.”
Obi also called for concerted efforts to stop financial inducement in politics. “That’s what we need to remove because what you’re doing is that you’re encouraging stealing of public money. If I steal and use it to win election, then I get all the power and everything, including immunity from prosecution. So we must stop it. That is what is driving the stealing.“
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