The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in 2023, Peter Obi, has responded to merger suggestions from the 2023 presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar warning that he will not support any merger that is not targeted at changing the fortunes of the Nigerian masses.
Obi, who was speaking during an interview session on Noire TV-Global Black TV during the weekend said he’s not desperate to be president.
The former Anambra State governor was officially responding to suggestions from Atiku that there should be a merger of all opposition parties to defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 election.
Atiku had on a few occasions suggested the move as the best way forward, further clarifying a few weeks ago that if the PDP settled for Obi, he would support his erstwhile running mate.
Obi, while appreciating Atiku’s support declaration said any merger must be for Nigeria and Nigerians only but not for the purpose of state capture.
“I commend him and I’m grateful for his statements, especially where he said he will support me if it (the presidential ticket) goes to the South East,” Obi said.
He stated, “I’m not desperate to be president, I’m desperate to see Nigeria work, especially for the poor people because we have a lot of potential.
Speaking specifically on the merger, he said, “If the merger is to be able to govern Nigeria properly, unlock all those things that will make Nigeria a better place, I’m for it.”
“If it’s just a merger for election or state capture, I’m not for it or part of it, I don’t want to be part of anything like that,” Obi stated.