Forget Coalition, Nigerians Want Obi as President – Labour Congress Fires Back

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared that Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), does not require an alliance with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or backing from political figures like Atiku Abubakar or Nasir El-Rufai to secure victory in the 2027 presidential election.

In an interview with Punch, Theophilus Ndubuaku, Deputy President of the NLC Political Commission, emphasized Obi’s strong national appeal and dismissed speculation about any potential return to the PDP. He described the opposition party as “a troubled and virtually empty platform.”

“Peter Obi doesn’t need a coalition to win in 2027,” Ndubuaku said. “He is highly marketable. Remember, he was well on his way to victory in the 2023 polls before the process was marred by irregularities. He even beat Tinubu in Lagos—his own stronghold—proving Nigerians truly want Obi in leadership.”

Ndubuaku added that if the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ensures a transparent election in 2027, Obi would triumph, noting that the former Anambra governor can harness both domestic and international support.

Highlighting Obi’s wide acceptance across all six geopolitical zones, he cautioned against any move back to the PDP.

“No serious contender should view the PDP as a credible alternative today,” he argued. “Obi is known for his discipline. Why would anyone suggest he returns to the PDP? When you compare both parties, Labour Party has resolved its internal issues—like the Abure saga—through the Supreme Court. The PDP, on the other hand, is still in deep crisis. Switching to PDP now would be like leaping from frying pan into fire.”

He also dismissed concerns over zoning and rotation of power, asserting that Obi’s track record remains his strongest asset.