The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has finally addressed the growing speculation and controversy surrounding his association with the newly formed coalition led by the African Democratic Congress (ADC), making it clear that he remains fully committed to the Labour Party (LP).[/p>
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony of the Labour Party’s governorship campaign for Anambra State, which took place on Friday, Obi clarified his position before a large gathering of party faithful and supporters. The campaign was in support of Dr. George Moghalu, the LP governorship candidate, and his running mate, Lady Ifeoma Okaro.[/p>
In his address, Obi emphasized that despite his involvement with the coalition, he has not defected from the Labour Party, dispelling fears among his supporters that he might have abandoned the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.[/p>
“Let me put it categorically clear, I and the National Assembly members of the Labour Party are part of the coalition that has adopted ADC for the 2027 election, and other parties will join us,” Obi said while addressing the enthusiastic crowd.[/p>
“But today, we are members of the Labour Party. If anybody asks you which party Peter Obi belongs to today, tell him Peter Obi is in Labour Party. If anybody asks you about the coalition, tell him the coalition is for 2027,” he added, reiterating his loyalty to the party.[/p>
Obi also took the opportunity to reaffirm his presidential ambition, making it clear that he would contest in the 2027 presidential election. He noted that every citizen has the right to run for president but maintained that no one could do it better than him.[/p>
“Everyone has the right to run for president; I won’t stop anyone. But if anyone asks, let them know I am in the race, and no one does it better than me,” he declared confidently, drawing cheers from the crowd.[/p>
The flag-off event was organized to boost momentum for the party’s candidate in Anambra, Dr. George Moghalu, who assured the people of his commitment to good governance driven by integrity and a strong sense of responsibility. In his speech, Moghalu pledged to lead with the fear of God and prioritize the welfare of the people.[/p>
“Although my administration will ask people to pay tax, we will never unleash pestle-wielding touts on the good people of the state,” Moghalu stated, referencing past harsh tax enforcement tactics that had drawn criticism from residents.[/p>
Speaking further, Lady Ifeoma Okaro, the deputy governorship candidate, promised inclusive leadership and policies aimed at empowering women and youth across the state, pledging that no group would be left behind in their development plans.[/p>
Also speaking at the rally, LP State Chairman Ugochukwu Emeh stressed that the campaign event was not just a show of strength but also a reaffirmation of the Labour Party’s core values of equity, transparency, and people-first governance. He urged supporters to remain steadfast and united, emphasizing that the party would continue to fight for a better Nigeria at both state and national levels.[/p>
The event drew widespread attention, serving as a clear indication that despite ongoing speculations, Peter Obi remains strongly tied to the Labour Party and is actively involved in building support for the party’s candidates ahead of future elections.[/p>