The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has stated that the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, does not require any coalition with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or support from political figures like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar or ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai to win the 2027 presidential election.
In an exclusive interview, Prof. Theophilus Ndubuaku, Deputy President of the NLC Political Commission, stated that Obi remains a formidable and well-acclaimed candidate capable of defeating President Bola Tinubu in a free and fair campaign.
Ndubuaku dismissed suggestions that Obi will rejoin the PDP, characterising it as a “crisis-ridden and near-empty platform”.
He said, “Peter Obi doesn’t need any coalition to win the 2027 presidential election. He is a sellable candidate. 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,” Ndubuaku added.
His statements came just days after the Obidients Movement announced unshakeable support for the former governor of Anambra state, regardless of the platform he decides to run on in 2027.
Dr Yunusa Tanko, the movement’s National Coordinator, underlined that Nigeria is in critical need of rescue and that Obi is the only candidate capable of leading the country out of its current economic catastrophe.
Ndubuaku, echoing Tanko’s position, stated that Obi commands nationwide acceptance across all six geopolitical zones and warned against returning to the PDP.
“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 centring 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.”
He also stated that fears about zoning and power rotation are unfounded, especially in light of his reputation for performance.
“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. But we know Obi doesn’t need two years to revive Nigeria. He’s not desperate for power,” Ndubuaku said.
