Peter Obi says coalition not about personal ambition
By : John Akubo, Abuja
Peter Obi
Amid mounting questions about his role in Nigeria’s emerging opposition coalition, former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has made it clear that he is not desperate to lead but determined to fix Nigeria.
In a live XSpace session on Sunday night, Obi addressed speculations about whether he would accept a vice-presidential slot in the coalition. Though he did not give a definitive yes or no, he delivered a firm message grounded in principle.
“I won’t say I must have the ticket. That’s not leadership. You must work with others, consult widely, and put Nigeria first,” he said.
Obi confirmed he remains deeply involved in the coalition movement but emphasised that talks are focused on structure, not personalities:
“We have not reached the stage of choosing candidates. For now, we’re discussing how to come together for Nigeria’s sake,” he said.
“It is not a Peter Obi movement. It is a people’s coalition. I will only move forward based on what Nigerians and those I work with believe is best,” he added.
Obi reiterated his trademark leadership style—consultative, inclusive, and humble:
“I’ve never made any major political move without consulting my team and supporters. That’s how I left PDP. That’s how I joined Labour. That’s how I lead,” he noted.
He said a future government under his watch would reflect that same spirit:
“If I become president, I won’t rule by decree. Nigerians will feel the difference. I’ll fast with the people. I’ll cut waste. I’ll govern by example,” he promised.
“I Will Never Trade the Nation’s Future for Revenge”
When asked how he handles public insults or defamation, Obi was philosophical:
“I don’t carry grudges. You don’t fix a broken country with bitterness. I pray for my enemies. But if you steal public money, I won’t protect you,” he declared.
He also noted that “being friendly doesn’t mean shielding corruption.”
“If the law finds you guilty, it must take its course. But I will still greet you in public. That’s who I am,” he said.
Obi ended the session with a call for citizens not to lose faith:
“The 2027 election will be different. We will insist that our votes count. And they will count,” he said.
He urged young Nigerians to stay engaged, avoid hate campaigns, and use their energy to build, not destroy:
“We must show the world that Nigeria can rise—not through noise, not through propaganda, but through sacrifice, unity, and truth,” he said.
Obi remains a central figure in Nigeria’s opposition movement—but not its leader. With a calm voice and unwavering message, he continues to push for a coalition of ideas, not egos, and a Nigeria that works for everyone.
GUARDIAN Newspapers