Peter Obi Joins Opposition Coalition, Says Move Aimed at Dismantling Poverty, Insecurity

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has announced his decision to join the emerging opposition coalition, citing the urgent need to address Nigeria’s deep-rooted issues of poverty and insecurity.

Obi made the disclosure via a statement posted on his official X handle on Thursday, noting that the move was driven by his commitment to national progress and the recognition that no single group can transform Nigeria alone.

“No one group can change Nigeria alone. To dismantle the structures that keep our people in poverty and insecurity, we must build bridges, not walls, even when those bridges are uneasy,” Obi wrote.

The former Anambra State governor emphasized that his decision followed thoughtful reflection on the country’s current challenges, stressing that unity among like-minded political actors is essential to bring about real change.

“This decision was not made lightly. It comes from deep reflection on where we are as a country and what must be done to move forward,” he stated.

Obi, who finished third in the 2023 presidential election, has continued to advocate for good governance, transparency, and citizen-centered leadership. His alignment with the opposition coalition is seen by many analysts as a strategic step toward consolidating forces against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The new coalition, which is gradually taking shape with various political figures and groups indicating interest, aims to create a unified platform to challenge the status quo and promote what they describe as a more inclusive and people-focused governance structure.

Reactions to Obi’s decision have been mixed, with some of his supporters hailing the move as a necessary collaboration, while others express concern over the compatibility of ideals among coalition members.

As political alignments continue to shift ahead of the next electoral cycle, Obi’s involvement in the coalition is expected to add weight and momentum to the opposition’s efforts to present a formidable challenge in 2027.