Obi doesn’t need coalition to defeat Tinubu in 2027, says NLC

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) says Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential flagbearer of the Labour Party (LP), does not need a coalition with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or support from political heavyweights ahead of the 2027 vote.

Recently, talks on a coalition to wrest federal control from the All Progressives Congress (APC), have dominated mainstream political chatter.

Opposition politicians have also been holding series of “strategic meetings” to actualise the plan.

In an interview with Punch, Theophilus Ndubuaku, deputy president of the NLC political commission, said Obi remains a likeable politician capable of unseating President Bola Tinubu in a transparent poll.

Ndubuaku ruled out any chance of Obi returning to the PDP, describing the party as “crisis-ridden and near-empty”.

“Peter Obi doesn’t need any coalition to win the 2027 presidential election. He is a sellable candidate,” he said.

“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.”

Recently, the Obidient Movement also declared its continued support for Obi, regardless of which political party he chooses for the 2027 election.

Yunusa Tanko, national coordinator of the movement, said Nigeria urgently needs rescue, adding that Obi remains the most credible option for economic recovery.

Ndubuaku said Obi enjoys broad national appeal cutting across all six geopolitical zones.

“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.”

Ndubuaku also downplayed concerns over zoning and power rotation, insisting Obi’s track record speaks for itself.

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“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,” he said.

“But we know Obi doesn’t need two years to revive Nigeria. He’s not desperate for power.”