Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has downplayed fears that Nigeria is drifting toward a one-party state, insisting that no political party can “capture” any region simply because a governor joins it.
Speaking in Abuja, Obi reacted to the recent defections of Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah and Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The former Anambra State governor, known for promoting issue-driven politics, described the idea of “capturing” a state through defection as outdated and rooted in Nigeria’s military history.
“The people will decide where to go, not governors or senators. No party will capture or win any state just because it has a governor,” Obi said.
He noted that while he shares a cordial relationship with Governor Mbah, the Enugu leader’s move must have been guided by his own political judgment.
“Peter Mbah is a good friend of mine, and I believe that as governor, he must have taken his decision based on his own political views and calculations,” he added.
Obi rejected suggestions that the South-East could be “captured” politically, stressing that leadership in a democracy is about convincing people, not forcing them.
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“As for the alleged plot to capture the South-East, we are not in a military time when you capture people. You are a leader. You tend to do the right things for them to follow you. So I don’t think anybody is capturing anywhere,” he said.
He urged government officials to prioritize governance and deliver policies that improve citizens’ lives, warning that performance, not political realignment earns people’s trust.
“The government needs to do more if it wants the people to support it,” Obi stated.
His remarks come amid growing political tension as more opposition governors and lawmakers defect to the APC moves that have fueled concern about Nigeria edging toward a one-party system ahead of the 2027 elections.
More details later…