Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has denied agreeing to accept a vice-presidential position in the event of a political alliance in the 2027 elections.
Obi clarified his stance on collaboration with other political entities and his commitment to addressing Nigeria’s pressing issues.
The former Anambra State governor slammed what he termed “propaganda” and “deliberate distortion” of his recent interview with News Central TV.
He said, “Some fifth columnists have resorted to propaganda, deliberately distorting the narrative,” adding “I never stated at any time that I would be vice president to anyone and it’s unequivocal.”
According to Obi, he remains focused on current national challenges rather than future electoral ambitions.
“I do not want to be one of those preoccupied with 2027 while Nigerians are suffering from hunger, poverty, insecurity, and other pressing challenges,” he declared.
Addressing speculation about a potential political alliance in 2027, Obi reiterated that he was open to collaboration but with conditions.
“I explicitly stated my openness to working with others, provided their intentions were not centred on state capture,” he explained.
The Labour Party chieftain stressed that any negotiations must be transparent and aligned with his vision for Nigeria’s progress.
Calling for concrete plans from potential collaborators, Obi said: “As I have always maintained, I am not desperate to become president, but I am determined to see Nigeria work.
“Likewise, I am not desperate for any position at all as I believe I can make contributions as I am already doing without occupying any. When 2027 arrives, if I decide to run for any office, it will not be with those whose sole aim is state capture or merely winning an election. I want them to explain how we will ensure that no child is left behind and how we will bring millions of out-of-school children back into classrooms, ensure healthy living and pull people out of poverty.
“My statement was unequivocal, and I am genuinely surprised by the misrepresentation of my words.
“For the avoidance of doubts, I never stated at any time that I would be vice president to anyone and it’s unequivocal.
I have consistently maintained that I am open to working with those committed to building a new Nigeria.
“My commitment to Nigeria remains steadfast, and I even believe it is possible to contribute to its progress without occupying any office as I am already doing,” he added.
Obi secured the vice presidential nomination of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 election, with Atiku Abubakar as presidential candidate but both lost to Muhammadu Buhari.
He became a member of the Labour Party in 2022 and was handed the party’s 2023 presidential ticket.
Obi emerged third place in the election after pulling a total of 6,101,533 votes.
2027: Obi Rebuffs VP Rumours, Slams ‘Fifth Columnists’ Distorting Recent Interview is first published on The Whistler Newspaper