The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has stated that Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, does not require any political alliance with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or backing from figures like Atiku Abubakar or Nasir El-Rufai to emerge victorious in the 2027 presidential election.
In an interview by PUNCH, Prof. Theophilus Ndubuaku, Deputy President of the NLC Political Commission, maintained that Obi remains a strong and widely accepted candidate who can defeat President Bola Tinubu in a fair electoral process.
Ndubuaku rejected speculation that Obi might return to the PDP, describing the party as plagued by internal conflict and lacking political strength.
“Peter Obi is a marketable candidate. He was already on the path to victory in 2023 before the controversial disruptions,” he said. “He even won in Lagos, the president’s stronghold, showing that Nigerians are behind him.”
He expressed confidence that Obi could succeed if the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ensures a transparent election. “With his national and international influence, Obi has what it takes to win,” he added.
Ndubuaku’s remarks follow the recent reaffirmation of loyalty by the Obidients Movement to Obi’s 2027 ambition, regardless of the political party he contests under.
Dr. Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the movement, had described Obi as the only candidate with the credibility to rescue Nigeria from its economic challenges.
Ndubuaku echoed that view, saying Obi has support across all six geopolitical zones and warned against any return to the PDP.
“The Labour Party’s leadership issues have been resolved by the Supreme Court, unlike the PDP, which remains deeply divided. It makes no sense for Obi to leave LP for PDP,” he said.
Addressing concerns over zoning, Ndubuaku argued that Obi’s track record and national appeal outweigh regional power rotation fears.
“Some people fear he may take the full eight years if he wins, but Obi is not power-hungry. He doesn’t need two terms to fix Nigeria,” he said.
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