By Kolawole Ojebisi
The former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has distanced himself from reports making the rounds that he’s planning to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Obi stressed that he is not a member of the APC nor intending to be a member to pursue his 2027 presidential ambition.
The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate made these remarks while reacting to a report circulating on social media where he alleged that his name was mentioned in an APC gathering on Saturday.
Obi said, “I have come across a report circulating on social media regarding an APC gathering where my name was mentioned. Let me make it unequivocally clear: I do not engage in toxic politics, blackmail, or any form of political manipulation.
“My name should not be associated with such narratives. For the avoidance of doubt, both now and in the future, I am not a member of the APC, nor am I an intending member.
“My stance on politics has always been rooted in integrity, fairness, and issue-based engagement. I firmly believe that all political parties should assess aspirants solely on their competence, capacity, and compassion — qualities essential for building a better Anambra and a better Nigeria,” he said.
Obi, however, advised that elections and primaries should not be reduced to toxic narratives or personal attacks, noting that political choices should be guided by credibility, vision, and the ability to deliver real change, not by dragging individuals into toxic discussions, blackmail, or needless controversy.
“As for the former governorship aspirant of the Labour Party in Anambra State, Valentine Ozigbo, I maintain that he, like every other aspirant, should be evaluated based on these key leadership qualities in his new political party.
“Furthermore, primaries, whether conducted through voting, interviews, selection processes, or any other democratic method, must be free, fair, and credible.
“Every aspirant who is a legitimate member of a party deserves a fair chance to contest without bias or blackmail. As we approach the Anambra State governorship election in November, I sincerely hope that all parties, including mine, will ensure a transparent and democratic process, and engage in credible, fair primaries,” he assured.
He said the Anambra election presents a unique opportunity for Nigeria to embrace true democracy, something that, unfortunately, remains elusive in Nigeria.
“I wish all political parties the very best in conducting free and fair primaries, and I call on all stakeholders to uphold justice throughout the process.
“We must reject toxic politics, for that is the only path to achieving the democratic nation we currently lack. By doing so, we will move closer to the new Nigeria we seek,” he added.
