As speculation swirls around a possible opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has reiterated that his political mission is focused on combating Nigeria’s deep-rooted social and economic challenges—not on seeking political office at all costs.
Speaking during a visit to the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Kubwa in Abuja on Monday, Obi dismissed growing rumours that he is being positioned to run as a vice-presidential candidate alongside former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
“I am in a coalition against hunger, in coalition against poverty, coalition against bad state of health,” Obi said.
“Politics for me is not about position, it is about doing the right thing.”
Obi’s remarks came in response to increasing media speculation about a political realignment between key opposition figures following the outcome of the 2023 election, where President Bola Tinubu emerged victorious, with Atiku Abubakar of the PDP and Peter Obi trailing in second and third place, respectively.
The Obidient Movement, a grassroots coalition of Obi’s supporters, has also strongly denied any alliance involving a vice-presidential offer from Atiku to Obi.
In a statement issued by its Director of Strategic Communications and Media, Nana Kazaure, the group described such reports as “entirely baseless” and “imaginary to the author.”
“The Obidient Movement has been inundated with calls… regarding a media publication claiming that our principal, Peter Obi, has been offered a running mate position to Atiku Abubakar in the new coalition being formed ahead of 2027,” the statement read.
“Even though the publication is imaginary, we find it appropriate to react in view of possible far-reaching misconceptions in the public space.”
The movement clarified that while discussions are ongoing with various political stakeholders, these talks are centered around solving Nigeria’s pressing issues—not about sharing political positions.
“Without any risk of contradiction, we would like to reiterate that Obi has maintained that his objective and his involvement in a coalition is to provide a united front.
“To tackle issues of bad governance, corruption, hunger, poverty, poor healthcare, out-of-school children, and the myriad of other problems daily afflicting the people of Nigeria,” the statement said.
Reaffirming his loyalty to the Labour Party, the movement said, “At this point in time, Peter Obi remains in the Labour Party, and if ever this changes, he will make that announcement himself.”
Obi also addressed his recent public appearance in Rome, where he was seen exchanging pleasantries with Tinubu during the inauguration Mass of Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican.
He clarified that the interaction was simply a matter of courtesy. “I’m not an enemy of the President,” Obi explained.
“The only enemies I have are corruption and corrupt leaders who have made life difficult for Nigerians.”
During his Abuja visit, Obi also made a financial donation to support an educational project within the diocese, underscoring his long-standing advocacy for education and social welfare.
He expressed disappointment in government failure to provide quality basic education, which he said has left institutions like the church to bear the burden.
“In this country, we talk about politics and abandon what we should be talking about,” he said.
“What we should be talking about is how we are going to educate the children.”
Obi’s firm stance on policy-driven politics over power-driven deals continues to resonate with a significant section of Nigerians disillusioned by traditional party politics.
With the road to 2027 still long, observers say the pressure on opposition leaders to form a united front remains high—but if Obi’s words are anything to go by, any coalition he joins will be based on shared values, not political ambition.
