Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has said that the wave of defections by prominent politicians, including governors, would not in any way determine the outcome of the 2027 general elections in the South-East.
The former Governor of Anambra State, who was reacting to Tuesday’s defection of Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, said the ongoing defections in the zone did not signify any political capture of the region.
In a statement released by his media team in Abuja on Wednesday, Obi argued that the defections had nothing to do with the collective decision of the people of the South-East.
According to him, “The people will ultimately decide where to go, not governors or senators,” insisting that “no party will capture or win any state just because it has a governor.”
Obi dismissed claims by the All Progressives Congress (APC) that Governor Mbah’s defection to the party marked a major breakthrough for President Bola Tinubu in the South-East.
He said, “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.
“As for the alleged plot to capture the South-East, we are not in a military era where you capture people. You are a leader; you lead by doing the right things for people to follow you. So, I don’t think anybody is capturing anywhere. The government needs to do more if it wants the people to support it.”
Obi reiterated his support for the October 20 nationwide solidarity march for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, describing his continued detention as unnecessary.
He also expressed solidarity with rights activist Omoyele Sowore, who is leading the “Free Kanu” march, saying, “I have always been consistent on Nnamdi Kanu’s situation. There was no need for his arrest in the first place. I’ve always said that I will consult, negotiate, and discuss with anybody who is agitating. I said it clearly and I stand by it.
“I thank those who are actually trying to do or say what we’ve been saying for a long time. Go and check what I’ve said before 2020, 2022, and even 2024.
“Now that the matter is in court, the rules should be followed—not just for Nnamdi Kanu, but for all agitators across the nation. Let’s dialogue with them. There’s nothing wrong with anybody agitating or calling for dialogue, but whatever we do, let’s follow the rules. So, I thank the organisers and all those involved.”
On his expectations from the new INEC Chairman ahead of the 2027 elections, Obi said he looked forward to “free and credible polls.”
“Very simple,” he said.
“He’s a Nigerian. We want a new Nigeria where elections will be free, fair, and credible, and where our people who have the competence, capacity, compassion, character, and commitment to lead the nation are elected.
“It’s for the good of everybody. None of us will be here forever, and none of us will remain in our positions forever. So, whatever position we find ourselves in, let’s do the right thing. I wish him well. When he (Amupitan) is confirmed, I will congratulate him and remind him that one day, he will leave that post. Let him ensure he keeps his reputation.”
Obi reportedly spoke on the sidelines of a campaign alongside the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Chairmanship candidate for the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) in the February 2026 FCT Council elections, Dr. Moses Paul.
During a visit to LEA Nursery/Primary School, Kapwa, a suburb of Abuja, Dr. Paul lamented the dilapidated state of the school, noting that most of the furniture was in “irreparable condition.”
Obi, who accompanied him, expressed concern that a school with over 200 pupils had no toilet facilities and promised to help give the school a facelift.
He said, “The most important thing we can do as a nation is to invest in basic education. Investment in children is the most important.
“I am here today to support my brother, Dr. Moses Paul, the ADC candidate contesting for the AMAC Council. He is campaigning and going around the communities in his constituency.”
