Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s (LP) presidential candidate from the 2023 general election, has revealed challenges hindering the proposed coalition with the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

He cited unresolved issues like the zoning and rotation of key political offices. Obi shared these remarks during a YouTube interview with ‘Advocacy for Good Governance’ on Wednesday.

Obi Reaffirms Labour Party Membership

The former Anambra State governor made it clear that he remains a member of the Labour Party. He emphasized the need for clarity and consensus within any political alliance.

Obi stressed that the coalition must resolve internal disagreements. They also need to align on a common vision for Nigeria.

“Today, I am a member of the Labour Party,” Obi stated. “I subscribe to the ADC Coalition for the 2027 election. I believe in it.”

However, he added a crucial condition. “As much as I believe in it, I need to know the fundamentals. What are we all agreeing to respect?”

He questioned the potential impact on ordinary Nigerians. “What are we going to do for the average Nigerian person? We are still part of the political class. So it’s not like a new group of people.”

Respect for Leaders, Need for New Ideas

Obi acknowledged his respect for the coalition’s leaders. “I respect all those who are leaders there,” he said. “Our Chairman, David Mark, is one person I respect. I believe he has the political wisdom to lead.”

He also mentioned his profound respect for Atiku Abubakar. “People like my own leader, Atiku, someone for whom I have all my respect. I believe in the good of Nigeria.”

Despite this, Obi highlighted “fine lines” that require attention. “Things must be done properly,” he insisted. “We must sit down and talk about where we are leading the country.”

He called for fresh perspectives. “We are not new people; we are the same political class. So we must come with new ideas. Nigerians will trust these ideas.”

Obi emphasized the need for competence. “We must offer Nigerians an alternative,” he explained. “It must come with competence, character, capacity, commitment, and compassion. These are vital for driving this new vehicle.”

Addressing Unsigned Agreements and Future Confusion

Obi warned against simply displacing current leaders without a clear plan. “We can’t just say, ‘Oh, we don’t like what these people are doing. Let them go.’ If they go, what is the alternative?”

He recalled past lessons. “We did that in 2015: ‘Let this man just go,’ and he went. Now we must be clear. What are we getting?”

He questioned the trustworthiness of future leaders. “Can we trust those who will drive this vehicle? Will they do what they say?”

Obi affirmed his dedication to Nigeria’s progress. “I am not desperate to become the president of Nigeria. I am desperate to see Nigeria work.”

He expressed a desire to understand their offerings. “I want to see what they are offering.”

Obi pointed out the existence of “unsigned agreements” concerning the presidency. These include understandings about the rotation of offices. “This person will come from here, this person will come from there,” he noted.

These arrangements, he stated, need proper organization. “The reason why it needs to be organized is to avoid creating future confusion.”

He stressed the importance of a forward-looking approach. “Today, it is about the future. So if we are doing anything, let’s look at the future. Let’s not look at what will benefit us personally.”

Obi concluded that reaching an agreement is paramount, regardless of time. “Even if it takes us one week to agree, we do. If Nigerians want this country to change, we can make a change. It does not matter how.”

He maintained that effective preparation is key. “Even if we start three, six, eight, or twelve months before the election, we can still prepare.”