The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi says the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition is facing setbacks because unresolved matters concerning zoning and the rotation of major offices remain outstanding.
Speaking during an interview on YouTube with Advocacy for Good Governance on Wednesday, the former Anambra governor said the coalition must address lingering issues and align on a unified national vision.
“Today, I’m a member of the Labour Party, okay, and I subscribe to the coalition — the ADC coalition — for the 2027 election and I believe in it,” Obi said.
“But as much as I believe in it, I need to know the fundamentals that we all agree to respect.
“But in all this, there are still some fine lines that we need to respect, where things must be done properly, where we must sit down and talk about where we’re driving the country to.
“Today, we have what we can say are unsigned agreements about the presidency, unsigned agreements about rotation of offices.
“Which is why if you say this person will come from here and this person will come from there, all those things need to be organised.
“The reason why it needs to be organised is: if you don’t do it, you create confusion for the future.”
Obi also said he has confidence in the individuals steering the coalition’s efforts, describing Atiku Abubakar, the former vice-president, as “his leader”.
“I respect all those who are leaders there; of course, our chairman, David Mark, is one of those people I respect,” he said.
“I believe he has the political sagacity to lead the party and so many others we have there; people like my own leader, Atiku — someone I have all my respect for, who I believe believes in the good of Nigeria, and wants the best for Nigeria and all that.”
When asked if he would stay committed to the coalition even if he is not selected as its presidential candidate, Obi said his focus is on Nigeria’s progress, not personal ambition.
“I’m not desperate to be president of Nigeria, I’m desperate to see Nigeria work,” he added.