BY SEGUN ADEBAYO – With the list of those boarding the defection train to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) growing daily nationwide, the Labour Party (LP)’s Presidential candidate in 2023 election, Peter Obi says such ‘selfish’ movements cannot guarantee the touted political capture of the South-East zone.
Obi, who was responding to enquiries from reporters in Abuja, insisted that the ongoing defections by some State governors and individuals in the South East can change the status-quo because the people are politically enlightened and socially independent.
Amid concerns in certain quarters about the solidity of his political base ahead of the 2027 polls given the gale of defections currently sweeping the South East and other parts of the country, Obi said there is no cause alarm.
Speaking through a statement released by his media team, in Abuja, on Wednesday, the firmer Anambra State governor said Nigeria operates a democracy not military dictatorship where states can be readily “captured.”
He said the people will ultimately decide where to go, not governors or Senators, and no party will capture or win any state just because it has a sitting governor.
Specifically addressing the Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah’s defection, and APC’s alleged move to capture the South-East for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election, Obi said, “Peter Mbah is a good friend of mine. And I believe that as governor, he must have taken his decision based on his own political views and calculations.
“As for the alleged plot to capture the South-East, we are not in a military time (regime) when you capture people. You are a leader. You tend to do the right things for them to follow you.
“So I don’t think anybody is capturing anywhere. The government needs to do more if it wants the people to support it.”
On the planned protest for the release of Nnamdi Kanu by political activist Omoyele Sowore, Obi said, “I’ve always been consistent on Nnamdi Kanu’s situation. There was no need for his arrest in the first place. And I’ve always said that for me, I will consult, negotiate and discuss with anybody who is agitating. I said it clearly and I remain there.
“I thank those who are actually trying to do or say what we’ve been saying for a long time. Go and check what I’ve said before 2020, 2022 and even 2024.
“And now that it has gone to court, the rules should be followed. Not just for Nnamdi Kanu, but for all agitators across the nation. Let’s dialogue with them.
“There’s nothing wrong with anybody agitating or saying let’s dialogue with them. And whatever we do with them, let’s follow the rules. So I thank the organisers and those who are involved.”
Also addressing issues around his expectations from the new INEC Chairman ahead of the 2027 election, former Anambra State Governor said, “Very simple. He’s a Nigerian. We want a new Nigeria where elections will be free, fair and credible and our people who have the competence, capacity, compassion, character and commitment to lead the nation are elected.
“It’s for the good of everybody. None of us is going to be here forever, and none of us is going to be in his position forever. So whatever position we find ourselves in, it’s to do the right thing. So I wish him well.
“When he (Amupitan) is confirmed, I will congratulate him and tell him to know that one day he’s going to leave that post. Let him ensure that he keeps his reputation.”
The statement explained that Obi’s reaction was extracted by Journalists on the sidelines during a campaign alongside the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Chairmanship candidate for Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), in the February 2026 FCT Council elections, Dr Moses Paul, who visited LEA Nursery/Primary School in Kapwa, a suburb of Abuja.
According to Obi, education is the bedrock of any society, even as he expressed concern over the unsafe and unconducive learning environment at the School.
Noting that the school furniture is in “irreparable conditions”, Obi also wondered why a school with over 200 pupils had no toilet facilities, and promised to give the school a facelift.
On his mission to the School, the former Anambra Governor volunteered, “The most important thing we can do as a nation is to invest in basic education. Investment in children is the most important.
“I am here today to support my brother, Dr Moses Paul, the ADC candidate contesting for the AMAC Council. You know he is campaigning and going round the communities in his constituency.”
