The former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has made it clear that he is not interested in any coalition aimed at unseating President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
Obi, focusing on Nigeria’s critical issues, including poverty, insecurity, and the decline of public institutions, emphasized that his priority is not political power but the nation’s future and governance reforms.
Obi’s stance comes amid a new controversy within the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Loyalists of Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum have called for a meeting with South-East stakeholders in Abuja to rally support for National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, who is entangled in a legal battle concerning his removal.
The meeting, which reportedly excluded some influential leaders in the region, has sparked significant backlash and raised doubts over its legitimacy.
At the National Conference on Strengthening Democracy in Nigeria, Obi expressed his concerns over the country’s political focus, which he believes often shifts from urgent national challenges to power struggles.
“We should be discussing Nigeria’s future—how do we secure Nigerians, how do we care for the common people, and how do we ensure our children receive quality education? That should be the focus right now,” he said.
He also criticized the rampant use of financial inducement in politics, noting that such practices lead to the theft of public funds and undermine governance.
“We need to stop financial inducement in politics because it encourages corruption and the stealing of public money,” Obi stressed.
Meanwhile, Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate for the PDP, weighed in on political reforms, recommending that politicians who defect to other parties should be compelled to vacate their seats to ensure accountability.
Atiku, who is also advocating for stronger political parties, highlighted the need for reforms in key areas like judicial integrity and political party compliance, to restore public trust in Nigeria’s democracy.
Atiku also emphasized the importance of coalition-building in strengthening opposition forces to challenge the dominance of the ruling party.
“Through coalition-building, opposition parties can unite and effectively contest entrenched power,” he suggested.
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, former Vice President of Ghana, delivered the keynote address at the conference, highlighting the importance of strong democratic institutions.
He warned that weak institutions, including electoral bodies and the judiciary, pose a grave threat to democracy in Africa.
Bawumia also expressed concern over the rising poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Nigeria, and how it undermines faith in democratic systems.
“Democracy must deliver on the basic needs of the people. If the majority cannot afford basic necessities, they will not appreciate democratic progress,” he concluded.
In the midst of these political developments, the PDP is also facing internal strife.
Acting National Chairman, Damagum and his allies have convened a meeting with South-East stakeholders in Abuja to back Samuel Anyanwu amid his ongoing court battle.
However, key PDP figures have raised concerns over the exclusion of important leaders from the gathering, casting doubt on the legitimacy of the meeting.
Chief Ali Odefa, the expelled PDP’s National Vice Chairman for the South-East, distanced the region from the purported meeting, emphasizing that the South-East had already made its decision on the PDP National Secretary position in a recent Zonal Committee meeting in Enugu.
The rift within the PDP has exacerbated tensions, particularly as the party navigates internal power struggles while attempting to mount an opposition against the ruling APC.
This turmoil adds another layer of complexity for the opposition ahead of the 2027 elections.
In other news, the Arewa Youth Leaders and Professionals Forum (AYLPF) has strongly criticized Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai for opposing President Tinubu’s economic reforms.
AYLPF’s National President, Abdulahi Bilal Mohammed, accused both leaders of selfish motives, claiming their opposition to the reforms was rooted in a desire to preserve corrupt practices that had previously benefited them.
The group argued that their actions were divisive and did not represent the true voice of the northern region, which, according to AYLPF, is built on values of fairness and justice.
The AYLPF called on Nigerians to support Tinubu’s reforms, despite the challenges they may bring in the short term, stressing that the long-term benefits would ultimately benefit the nation’s growth and prosperity.
“Those opposing these reforms are only trying to protect the flawed systems that have kept them in power,” they added.
