Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate from the 2023 general election, recently discussed the proposed coalition with the African Democratic Congress (ADC). He stated that this alliance faces significant challenges. These issues centre on the unresolved matters of zoning and the rotation of key political offices.

Obi shared these remarks during a Wednesday interview on the ‘Advocacy for Good Governance’ YouTube channel. He stressed the importance of clear agreements and consensus within any potential alliance.

The former Anambra State governor reaffirmed his commitment to the Labour Party. He insisted that he remains a member of the LP. Obi emphasized that the coalition must resolve internal disagreements. It must also align on a shared vision for Nigeria’s future.

Obi explained his position: “Today, I am a member of the Labour Party. I support the ADC Coalition for the 2027 election. I believe in its potential. However, I need to understand the fundamental agreements we will all respect. What will we do for the average Nigerian?

“We are still part of the political class,” he continued. “So, it is not as if new people are joining. I respect all the leaders involved. Our Chairman, David Mark, is someone I deeply respect. I believe he possesses the political wisdom to lead.

“Similarly, I respect my leader, Atiku. He is someone I hold in high regard and who believes in Nigeria’s well-being. But in all this, some crucial details need proper handling. We must sit down and discuss the direction we want to take our country.”

Obi reiterated, “As I said, we are not new faces; we are the same political class. Therefore, we must present new ideas that Nigerians can trust. We must offer fresh perspectives. We need to provide Nigerians with a credible alternative.

“This alternative must demonstrate competence, character, capacity, commitment, and compassion. These qualities are vital to drive this new vehicle for change. We cannot simply say, ‘We dislike what these people are doing. Let them go.’ If they leave, what is our alternative? We did that in 2015: ‘Let this man just go,’ and he left.”

He urged for clarity: “We must now be clear. What exactly are we gaining? Can we trust those who will lead this initiative to deliver on their promises? Where have they shown such commitment before? It all depends.”

Obi also clarified his personal ambition. “I am not desperate to become Nigeria’s president. My desperation is to see Nigeria thrive. I want to understand what they are truly offering. Currently, we have what could be called unsigned agreements. These relate to the presidency and the rotation of offices. These dictate who comes from where.

“All these details need proper organization. This organization is essential to prevent future confusion. Today, our focus must be on the future. If we are to achieve anything, let us consider the future. Let us not focus on immediate personal benefits.

“Even if it takes us a week to reach an agreement, we should do so. If Nigerians desire change, we can achieve it. The timeline does not matter. Even if we start three months, six months, eight months, or one year before the election, we can still prepare effectively.”