THE Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, today responded to a report that he was in talks with Atiku Abubakar and Rabiu Kwankwaso for a possible merger to wrest power from the All Progressives Congress (APC), assuring supporters of his commitment to the party.
Speaking at a massive event in Edo State ahead of the state’s local government elections, Obi informed hundreds of party members that some of the rumors they were hearing were false.
“Labour Party will continue to grow. We will continue to go stronger (and) better. Half of the things you are hearing everywhere are rumours, don’t listen to them. We are committed to building a better and a new Nigeria where we will move Nigeria from consumption to production,” Obi said to loud cheers from the crowd.
The report comes less than six months after Obi finished third in the February 25 presidential election, after President Bola Tinubu of the APC who emerged the winner and Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who came second.
According to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) final announcement, Kwankwaso of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) came in fourth place.
Both Atiku and Obi have both challenged the INEC results, with the tribunal withholding judgment in the cases after the parties involved ended their arguments and submitted their final written addresses.
A report however also emerged today that the trio Atiku, Obi and Kwankwaso were meeting to discuss the possibility of a coalition to dislodge the APC in the 2027 election in the event that judgement is delivered in favour of the ruling party.
The report reveals further that the three leaders had decided to wait and watch the outcome of the election petitions in court, which would determine their next move.
Meanwhile, former Anambra State governor charged the contestants under the Labour Party in the Edo local government elections to ensure they fulfil their promises during their campaigns if they succeed.
“Those of you who are contesting, go and tell the people what you will do and whatever you say, if you succeed, do it. No more promise-and-fail. The time for fake promises has passed in this country; we don’t want anybody to promise us fake things now. Anything you promise you must deliver,” he said.
