Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has dismissed ongoing political defections in the South-East as insufficient to “capture” the region, insisting that true political influence must come through service and leadership rather than manipulation.
Obi stated this while addressing reporters in Abuja on Wednesday, following widespread defections of political figures, including that of Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement released by his media team, Obi maintained that Nigeria is a democracy, not a military regime, and that the will of the people — not the ambitions of political elites — determines electoral outcomes.
“We are not in a military era where you capture people. You lead by doing the right things and earning the people’s trust,” Obi said. “No governor or senator can dictate where the people will go. It is the people who will decide.”
Speaking specifically on reports that the APC is strategizing to “capture” the South-East for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election, Obi described the claim as misguided.
“Peter Mbah is a good friend of mine, and I believe his defection was based on his own political judgment. But I do not believe anyone can capture the South-East,” he added.
The former Anambra State Governor also weighed in on the call by political activist Omoyele Sowore for nationwide protests demanding the release of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu. Obi reiterated his long-standing position that dialogue, not detention, remains the most effective way to resolve agitations.
“There was no need for his arrest in the first place,” Obi stated. “I’ve always said we should consult, negotiate, and engage agitators through dialogue. Let’s follow due process and the rule of law — not just for Kanu, but for all agitators across the country.”
On the recent nomination of a new INEC Chairman, Dr. Mahmuda Amupitan, Obi expressed hope for credible electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“We want a new Nigeria where elections are free, fair, and credible,” he said. “Positions are temporary — what lasts is reputation. I wish him well and urge him to always do the right thing.”
Obi made the remarks while accompanying Dr. Moses Paul, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) chairmanship candidate for Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), during a visit to LEA Nursery and Primary School in Kapwa, Abuja.
During the visit, Obi lamented the poor state of the school’s infrastructure, noting that classrooms were in disrepair and lacked basic amenities such as toilets.
“A school with over 200 pupils has no toilet and broken furniture — that’s unacceptable,” he said. “The most important investment any government can make is in basic education and in children.”
He pledged to support efforts to refurbish the school, emphasizing that education remains the foundation for sustainable national development.
