- Safiu Kehinde
The 2023 Labour Party’s Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has dismissed claims of joining the African Democratic Congress (ADC) out of desperation as declared to be counted out if the coalition party was formed for power wrestle.
Obi made this known while speaking at a public engagement in Lagos on Tuesday.
The former Anambra state governor held that quest for power by the coalition party must be for change in the fortune of Nigeria.
While he is yet to formally decamp from the Labour Party and join the ADC, Obi hinted plan to merge the Labour Party with the coalition party.
He reiterated that he is rather desperate to see a changed Nigeria than becoming the President.
“Which party am I going to contest in? As you know, because of the problem they (Labour Party) have, some of us leaders of the opposition have adopted the ADC. But I can tell you that before the election, more will join. More people needs to come together because the whole opposition needs to come together.
“We are not coming together to wrestle power. If it is to wrestle power, count Peter Obi out of it. If we are not going to use that power to change the fortune of this country, please count me out of it.
“I’m not looking for executive position. I’m not desperate to be President of Nigeria. I am desperate to see Nigeria change. I live in a changed place and I tell people that. I live in a place that works.
“I’ve been to schools. people have asked me questions, Peter why do you go to all these schools? You and I have adopted the ADC for the 2027 election. We are still battling to take over Labour because that is the right thing.” Obi said.
Prior to that, the ex-Anambra governor faulted the defection of lawmakers from the party where they won election to other parties.
He vowed to reintegrate the legislative arm in a way that lawmakers will not be able to cross carpet after being voted to power.
“In our Assembly where nobody can leave his party after election. If I want to change party, do it before the election. After election, you must stay there. If you vacate, they replace the person.” Obi said.