Abuja, Nigeria – As political speculations mount over potential opposition alliances ahead of the 2027 presidential election, former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi, has stated categorically that his only interest is in a coalition against hunger, poverty, and poor governance in Nigeria—not in any political position.
During a visit to the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Kubwa, Abuja, on Monday, Obi distanced himself from talks of a coalition with other opposition leaders, asserting that national interest supersedes personal ambition.
“I am in a coalition against hunger, in a coalition against poverty, and a coalition against the bad state of health,” Obi told the gathering.
“Politics for me is not about position; it is about doing the right thing,” he added.
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Obi Rejects Power-Driven Alliances
Peter Obi’s remarks come amid growing speculation that he may join forces with Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other key political figures to unseat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election. The idea of a grand coalition has gained traction among opposition circles, with many analysts and supporters touting it as the only viable strategy to defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
However, Obi firmly denied any arrangement or political deal aimed at making him a vice presidential candidate or running mate in 2027, calling such claims politically manipulative and self-serving.
“Those saying I had an agreement to deputise anyone are playing politics of selfish ambitions that are detrimental to the growth of the country,” he declared.
Focus on Nigeria’s Social Crisis, Not Positions
Obi used the visit to the Anglican diocese as a platform to call attention to Nigeria’s worsening poverty, decaying education system, and failing healthcare sector. According to him, the real focus should not be on political permutations, but on rescuing the country from the grip of misgovernance.
“In this country, we talk about politics and abandon what we should be talking about. What we should be talking about is how we are going to educate the children,” he stated emphatically.
Obi warned that without addressing the root causes of poverty, millions of Nigerians would continue to languish in extreme deprivation, irrespective of which party holds power.
Peter Obi’s Track Record and Political Credibility
Peter Obi, a former two-term governor of Anambra State, ran as the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, where he came third behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Despite losing the election, Obi emerged as a symbol of clean governance, youth engagement, and economic pragmatism. His campaign resonated strongly with Nigeria’s urban middle class, young voters, and professionals disillusioned by years of corruption and underperformance in government.
Obi’s campaign focused on:
- Cutting cost of governance
- Increasing investment in education and health
- Combating corruption
- Transitioning Nigeria from a consumption-driven economy to a production-based one
He was also widely praised for running an issue-based campaign that avoided ethnic or religious divisiveness.
Obi’s Critique of Government Failure in Education and Healthcare
During his visit to the diocese, Obi donated funds for a school project, reiterating his long-standing belief that education is the most powerful tool for economic liberation.
“Because the government has failed woefully to deliver free and qualitative basic education, the church has had to bear the huge burden,” he lamented.
Obi expressed regret that religious institutions in Nigeria now shoulder responsibilities that constitutionally belong to the government. He praised faith-based organizations for stepping in where the state has failed, especially in the education and healthcare sectors.
Clarification on Rome Encounter with President Tinubu
Photos recently emerged showing Obi exchanging pleasantries with President Tinubu at the inauguration Mass of Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on Sunday. The photo sparked varied reactions on social media, with some suggesting a shift in political alignment.
In response, Obi clarified that his meeting with the President in Rome was purely diplomatic and procedural, as demanded by international protocol. He emphasized that while he does not share the same political ideology with Tinubu, he accords him the respect due to his office.
“I am not an enemy of the President. The only enemy I have is corruption and corrupt leaders who have made life difficult for the Nigerian people,” Obi clarified.
Poverty Rate Higher Than China, Indonesia, Vietnam — Obi
Peter Obi has consistently used data to drive home his points about Nigeria’s dire economic conditions. In a recent interview, he stated that Nigeria’s poverty rate is higher than the combined rates of China, Indonesia, and Vietnam, warning that if urgent measures are not taken, the country could fall deeper into humanitarian crises.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), over 133 million Nigerians live in multidimensional poverty, lacking access to adequate healthcare, education, housing, and food. This is a staggering figure for a country blessed with abundant natural and human resources.
Opposition Pressure Mounts for 2027
While Peter Obi continues to focus on policy and social reforms, many believe that he remains a major political force for the next presidential election. Analysts say that if Obi, Atiku, and Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) unite, they could pose a formidable challenge to President Tinubu’s reelection bid.
However, Obi has consistently maintained that Nigeria’s salvation lies beyond partisan politics, urging politicians to prioritize national interest over personal gain.
“Our politics must be about service, not self,” he told reporters.
Conclusion: Coalition for the People, Not Power
Peter Obi’s latest remarks serve as a strong message to both his supporters and political rivals: his commitment is to Nigeria’s future, not political office. By rejecting the politics of desperation and embracing a moral coalition against poverty and underdevelopment, Obi continues to distinguish himself as one of the few voices focused on long-term national transformation.
Whether or not he runs for office again in 2027, his message is clear — the real enemy is not any individual, but the structural failures keeping millions of Nigerians in poverty.
