The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has debunked rumours suggesting he is planning to defect to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Obi’s response was conveyed on Monday through the Interim National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Yunusa Tanko, during an interview on Channels TV’s The Morning Brief.
Tanko clarified that Obi remains a member of the Labour Party, despite ongoing political speculations and reports linking him to potential moves toward the SDP.
“As far as I am concerned, His Excellency, Peter Obi, is a member of the Labour Party. It remains so until when there is any other thing that may come up,” Tanko said.
His comments were in reaction to statements by SDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, Adewole Adebayo, who claimed that Obi and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have initiated talks about joining the party.
Earlier, SDP’s National Secretary, Olu Agunloye, had also alleged that associates of Obi were lobbying the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Adding to the speculation, the National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), Peter Ahmeh, confirmed that discussions were ongoing regarding a possible political arrangement.
“The signing of a single-term agreement by a southerner is part of what is on the table, but this has not been concluded yet. It has not reached a conclusion,” Ahmeh stated. “Peter Obi and some other southern aspirants are involved. I believe that the decision will be reached in the next few weeks.”
Tanko further disclosed that Labour Party leaders are set to meet within the week to clarify the party’s stance, particularly in light of the recent Supreme Court ruling that nullified Julius Abure’s position as LP national chairman.
“As I speak to you right now, there is going to be a meeting possibly within the week by the leaders of the party to make fundamental positions clear to everyone, and in line with the position of the Supreme Court ruling and that of course will put the whole matter to rest,” he added.
The speculation comes weeks after a coalition movement was unveiled on March 20 by Atiku, Obi, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai. The alliance, which aims to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s administration, followed El-Rufai’s defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the SDP on March 10.