Mr. Peter Obi, Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in 2023, has said he would consider a merger with his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) counterpart, Atiku Abubakar, only if it would serve the greater good of Nigeria.
Obi, who made the disclosure during an interview with NoireTV at the weekend, added that he was not desperate to be Nigeria’s president.
NoireTV is an American multinational premium cable channel owned by Caspen Media, launched on March 23, 2009.
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The former Anambra governor stated that an alliance must be focused on improving governance and helping the poor, not just winning elections or for state capture.
Obi said, “I commend Atiku for his statement, especially where he said he will support me if it goes to the South East.
“On the issue of a merger and the coming together of parties, I have always said as long as any merger or any coming together is to better Nigeria and for governing properly, I am for it.
I’ll go for merger if it would serve the greater good of Nigeria – Peter Obi
“So, if the merger is to be able to govern Nigeria properly on all those things that will make Nigeria a better place, I am for it. If the merger is to be able to govern Nigeria properly and work for all those things that would make Nigeria become a better place,
“I am for it. It might be at the party level, it might be at the individual level or at any level, we must come together to be able to build a better Nigeria.”
Atiku, had earlier said if in 2027, the party decided that it was the South-East’s turn and selected Obi as its candidate, he would readily offer his support.
“As long as it’s the decision of the party, I will abide by it. But I contested the 2023 presidential ticket because it was thrown open to all members of the party.
“If the party decides that it’s the turn of the South-East and Peter Obi is chosen, I won’t hesitate to support him,” Atiku declared in a recent interview with BBC Hausa Service.
He added that a merger between the PDP and Labour Party was possible, but reiterated that members of the party would decide his fate in the 2027 general election.
Atiku mentioned that his recent meeting with Obi might indicate a possible alliance leading up to the 2027 elections.
While commenting on the matter, Tanko who is the Chief Spokesperson of Obi-Datti and Director of the Media, Labour Party (LP), said his principal is interested in seeing Nigeria work and thus will only partner with those who have similar values.
“His Excellency, Peter Gregory is not interested in a merger that is only for the interest of seeking power. He is interested in a merger that will bring Nigerians out of the poverty level, bringing the Nigerian people to a comfortable state of health care,” he said on Monday’s edition of Channels Television’s Politics Today.
“Making sure Nigerians have potable drinking water; making sure the problem of power supply is being solved.
“So, therefore, he is interested strongly in a merger that is driven by ideology and a programme. But if it’s only for the purpose of power, he is not interested.”
He said any merger between Obi and others will be subjected to scrutiny, ensuring values are in alignment.
Some weeks back, Obi and Atiku of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), met to discuss issues affecting the country.
The meeting with the former vice president who was also the PDP presidential candidate in the 2023 election triggered claims of a merger between the duo.
