Peter Obi doesn’t need PDP or Atiku to win in 2027 – NLC

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared that Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential flagbearer, does not need to form a coalition with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or rely on political heavyweights like Atiku Abubakar or Nasir El-Rufai to win the 2027 presidential election.

In an exclusive interview, Prof. Theophilus Ndubuaku, Deputy President of the NLC Political Commission, said Obi remains a widely accepted and trusted figure among Nigerians.

He expressed confidence in Obi’s ability to defeat President Bola Tinubu in a free and fair election.

Ndubuaku dismissed any speculation about Obi rejoining the PDP, describing the opposition party as a “crisis-ridden and near-empty platform.”

He said, “Peter Obi doesn’t need any coalition to win the 2027 presidential election. He is a sellable candidate. If you recall, he was already coasting to victory in the 2023 elections before the controversial glitches. He even defeated Tinubu in his own stronghold in Lagos, which shows Nigerians want him in power.”

“For as long as INEC conducts a free and fair election, he will win. He can also leverage his local and international connections to make it happen,” Ndubuaku added.

His comments come just days after the Obidients Movement declared unwavering support for Obi, regardless of the platform he chooses to run on in 2027.

The National Coordinator of the movement, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, emphasised that Nigeria is in desperate need of rescue and said Obi remains the only candidate capable of leading the country out of its current economic crisis.

Echoing Tanko’s position, Ndubuaku insisted Obi commands nationwide acceptance across all six geopolitical zones and warned against any return to the PDP.

“No serious candidate will consider the PDP as a viable platform at this point,” he said. “Obi is a disciplined man. If people are suggesting he return to the PDP, on what basis? Compare the PDP’s issues with those of the Labour Party. While LP’s crisis—centering around Julius Abure—has been settled by the Supreme Court, the PDP is still battling a hydra-headed crisis. Moving from LP to PDP would be like jumping from frying pan to fire.”

He further noted that fears about zoning and power rotation are unfounded, especially in light of Obi’s reputation for performance.

“The only reservation some people have is that if Obi wins, he could take the full eight years, which the North fears may disrupt the zoning balance. But we know Obi doesn’t need two years to revive Nigeria. He’s not desperate for power,” Ndubuaku said.