Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
As speculations gather momentum, that the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, has accepted to serve as a running mate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, in 2027, the ‘Obidents,’ Obi’s political support group has dismissed the speculations as false and imaginary.
The Movement in a statement by its Director, Strategic Communications, Nana Kazaure, urged members of the public to discountenance the rumour.
According to the statement issued on Monday, Obi has not at any time accepted to be Atiku’s running mate for one tenure contrary to the speculations.
The statement said that Obi would by himself, publicly disclose his position on the on-going coalition being formed to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
The statement made available to Ikengaonline read: “The Obidient Movement has been inundated with calls from our members within and outside the country, including other members of the public, regarding a media publication claiming that our principal, Peter Obi, has been offered the running mate position to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in the new coalition being formed ahead of 2027.
“Even as we know that the publication is imaginary to the author, we are tempted not to ignore it because of the possible far-reaching misconception it will have in the public space.
“While frank and cordial engagements with our partners and stakeholders towards a coalition continue amicably, the Obidient Movement would like to state emphatically that there is no truth or basis to the reports whatsoever.
“Without any risk of contradiction, we would like to reiterate that Mr Obi has maintained that his objective and his involvement in a coalition, is to provide a united front against and to tackle issues of bad governance, corruption, hunger, poverty, poor healthcare, out of school children and the myriad of other problems daily afflicting the people of Nigeria.
“We want politics that is progressive, standing firmly with the people and serving the great people of Nigeria and not politics just for the sake of grabbing power.
“At this point in time, Mr Peter Obi remains in the Labour party, and if ever this changes, he will make that announcement himself.
“The Obidient Movement would like to advise against sensationalism and speculation on these matters. At this difficult time, all Nigerians and the Media, inclusive, should emphasise and contribute to building a better country.”
Obi, who, according to the electoral umpire, came third in the 2023 presidential poll, has remained the visible face of opposition since then.
