Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, says it is premature to declare his next political move should the emerging political coalition fail to adopt him as its consensus presidential candidate.
Speaking during a live media session on X (formerly Twitter), hosted by ParallelFact on Sunday, Obi reassured his supporters of his commitment to due process, consultation, and collective decision-making in all political matters. He stressed that he has never taken unilateral action and would maintain the same approach going forward.
The proposed coalition, according to earlier reports, is being driven by prominent figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, as well as former governors Nasir El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, and several other political heavyweights.
When asked about his potential reaction should the coalition choose a different presidential flagbearer, Obi said the group is still in the early stages of alignment and has not yet decided on a preferred candidate or political party to adopt.
> “From the beginning, I’ve attended every coalition meeting unless I was out of the country,” Obi said. “Whenever there’s a concern, I share it with them. We’ve not reached the point of saying who the presidential candidate will be. This coalition is about saving Nigeria.”
He added that he believes those coming together to form the alliance are well-meaning and genuinely committed to the national interest.
> “I’m confident we will reach a point where everyone is willing to make sacrifices for the country. When that moment arrives, we will ensure the most capable among us emerges as the candidate,” he said.
Obi clarified that the coalition is in the process of choosing a party platform and expects more political groups to join once internal issues within their ranks are resolved.
On whether he has a defined strategy in case the coalition picks someone else, Obi said:
> “I wish I could give a definite answer, but I can’t at this time. What I can assure you is that I’ll always act in the best interest of the country and my supporters. I don’t take such decisions alone.”
He emphasised that every major decision he has made in politics—including leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)—was preceded by wide consultation.
> “If you were close to me, you’d know I didn’t leave PDP on a whim. I consulted widely. Even if I become President someday, I would never lead by making hasty, unilateral announcements. That’s not how I operate.”
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