The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) says Peter Obi, the 2023
presidential flagbearer of the Labour Party (LP), does not need a coalition
with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or support from political heavyweights
ahead of the 2027 vote.
Recently, talks on a coalition to wrest federal control from
the All Progressives Congress (APC), have dominated mainstream political
chatter.
Opposition politicians have also been holding series of
“strategic meetings” to actualise the plan.
In an interview with Punch, Theophilus Ndubuaku, deputy
president of the NLC political commission, said Obi remains a likeable
politician capable of unseating President Bola Tinubu in a transparent poll.
Ndubuaku ruled out any chance of Obi returning to the PDP,
describing the party as “crisis-ridden and near-empty”.
“Peter Obi doesn’t need any coalition to win the 2027
presidential election. He is a sellable candidate,” he said.
“If you recall, he was already coasting to victory in the
2023 elections before the controversial glitches.
“He even defeated Tinubu in his own stronghold in Lagos,
which shows Nigerians want him in power.
“For as long as INEC conducts a free and fair election, he
will win. He can also leverage his local and international connections to make
it happen.”
Recently, the Obidient Movement also declared its continued
support for Obi, regardless of which political party he chooses for the 2027
election.
Yunusa Tanko, national coordinator of the movement, said
Nigeria urgently needs rescue, adding that Obi remains the most credible option
for economic recovery.
Ndubuaku said Obi enjoys broad national appeal cutting
across all six geopolitical zones.
“No serious candidate will consider the PDP as a viable
platform at this point,” he said.
“Obi is a disciplined man. If people are suggesting he
return to the PDP, on what basis? Compare the PDP’s issues with those of the
Labour Party.
“While LP’s crisis — centering around Julius Abure — has
been settled by the Supreme Court, the PDP is still battling a hydra-headed
crisis.
“Moving from LP to PDP would be like jumping from frying pan
to fire.”
Ndubuaku also downplayed concerns over zoning and power
rotation, insisting Obi’s track record speaks for itself.
“The only reservation
some people have is that if Obi wins, he could take the full eight years, which
the north fears may disrupt the zoning balance,” he said.
“But we know Obi doesn’t need two years to revive Nigeria.
He’s not desperate for power.”
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
