Peter Obi Never Asked For ‘Special Treatment’ Ahead of 2027 Election
The rumour mill is crawling with talk about the Labour Party’s 2027 presidential candidate and Peter Obi has answered back, saying he is not “desperate to secure the ticket.”
According to Obi’s media aide, Ibrahim Umar, the former Anambra State Governor dissociated himself from the “automatic ticket” talk.
The statement comes as the Labour Party is in disarray.
The debate started after Abayomi Arabambi, a factional National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, said the party will field Obi to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid. But Obiora Ifoh, the party’s official spokesperson, swiftly denied this.
Ifoh said no decision has been made on 2027 candidates and Arabambi’s statement was not representative of the Julius Abure-led leadership.
This internal wrangling is nothing new in Nigerian politics. Political analysts at the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) note that internal divisions are common after electoral setbacks.
The Labour Party’s performance in 2023 where it came third with 6.1 million votes has triggered discussions about its future direction.
When asked about the “no automatic ticket” stance by Abure’s faction, Umar said his principal is committed to democracy.
“Our principal, Peter Obi remains committed to democracy and the well-being of all Nigerians,” he said. “He has always stressed the importance of good democracy and healthy competition, recognising that these are essential for a functioning democracy.”
Umar also added that Obi’s focus is on governance and policy not political gymnastics.
“Peter Obi has never sought a free ticket or special treatment,” he said. “He has always said a level playing field where everyone can compete fairly and freely.”
Obi’s team asked supporters to focus on the issues not the speculative narratives.
“We urge our supporters and the general public to stay focused on the issues that matter and not to be swayed by misinformed narratives,” Umar said.
He listed Obi’s current advocacy for economic growth, social justice and anti-corruption as issues that align with his reputation as a reformist during his tenure as governor.
As Nigeria faces inflation and security challenges, Obi’s team says let’s talk solutions.
“Let’s build a better Nigeria,” Umar added, “where democracy, fairness and equity reign.”
The Labour Party is still a work in progress but Obi has made it clear he won’t ask for special treatment.
As the 2027 election approaches, we will see how the party balances internal cohesion with its public image. For now, Obi’s message is loud and clear: democratic integrity and governance reforms over political interest.