••Labour Congress asserts Obi’s nationwide appeal, dismisses PDP as “crisis-ridden.”
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has stated that Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, is capable of winning the 2027 presidential election without forming a coalition with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or seeking support from figures like Atiku Abubakar or Nasir El-Rufai.
Prof. Theophilus Ndubuaku, Deputy President of the NLC Political Commission, emphasized in an exclusive interview that Obi’s popularity and credibility make him a strong contender against President Bola Tinubu, provided the election is free and fair.
Ndubuaku dismissed the possibility of Obi rejoining the PDP, describing it as a “crisis-ridden and near-empty platform.”
“Peter Obi doesn’t need any coalition to win the 2027 presidential election. He is a sellable candidate. If you recall, he was already coasting to victory in the 2023 elections before the controversial glitches. He even defeated Tinubu in his own stronghold in Lagos, which shows Nigerians want him in power,” Ndubuaku said.
“For as long as INEC conducts a free and fair election, he will win. He can also leverage his local and international connections to make it happen,” Ndubuaku added.
This statement follows the Obidients Movement’s declaration of unwavering support for Obi, regardless of his chosen platform in 2027.
Dr. Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the movement, highlighted the country’s urgent need for rescue, positioning Obi as the sole candidate capable of addressing the current economic challenges.
Ndubuaku echoed Tanko’s sentiment, asserting Obi’s widespread acceptance across all six geopolitical zones and cautioning against a return to the PDP.
“No serious candidate will consider the PDP as a viable platform at this point,” he said. “Obi is a disciplined man. If people are suggesting he return to the PDP, on what basis? Compare the PDP’s issues with those of the Labour Party. While LP’s crisis—centering around Julius Abure—has been settled by the Supreme Court, the PDP is still battling a hydra-headed crisis. Moving from LP to PDP would be like jumping from frying pan to fire.”
He also addressed concerns about zoning and power rotation, stating that Obi’s track record of performance outweighs such considerations.
“The only reservation some people have is that if Obi wins, he could take the full eight years, which the North fears may disrupt the zoning balance. But we know Obi doesn’t need two years to revive Nigeria. He’s not desperate for power,” Ndubuaku said.
