THE Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has debunked reports claiming that he had considered the position of vice president ahead of the 2027 Nigerian general elections.
The former Anambra governor debunked this in a statement he shared on his X handle on Saturday, September 14.
“I have consistently maintained He said, “For the avoidance of doubts, I never stated at any time that I would be vice president to anyone and it’s unequivocal that I am open to working with those committed to building a new Nigeria.”
According to Obi, his attention was drawn to the report following an interview he granted to News Central TV.
He said during the interview he took the opportunity to explain his position in detail, however, that some fifth columnists have resorted to propaganda, deliberately distorting the narrative.
“Let me reiterate clearly what I said, which is on record.
“I do not want to be one of those preoccupied with 2027 while Nigerians are suffering from hunger, poverty, insecurity, and other pressing challenges,” Obi stressed.
He noted that when he was asked about collaboration, he explicitly stated his openness to working with others, provided their intentions were not centred on state capture.
“I emphasised my commitment to partnering with those who share my vision for advancing Nigeria’s progress.
“I also made it clear that I remain committed to the Labour Party, and if anyone wishes to negotiate or join forces, they must disclose their true intentions,” he said.
According to Obi, he is not desperate to become president but determined to see Nigeria work.
He maintained he was not also desperate for any position at all as he believed he could make contributions without occupying any office.
“When 2027 arrives, if I decide to run for any office, it will not be with those whose sole aim is state capture or merely winning an election.
“I want them to explain how we will ensure that no child is left behind and how we will bring millions of out-of-school children back into classrooms, ensure healthy living and pull people out of poverty,” he said.
Adding that his statement was unequivocal and surprised by the misrepresentation of my words, Obi said his commitment to Nigeria remains steadfast as he can contribute to the country’s progress without occupying any office.
Some online media platforms had reported on Friday, September 13 that the former Anambra state governor was opened to a vice president position in the future and had set some conditions to be met before taking such a decision.
The ICIR reports that Obi was the running mate to Atiku Abubakar, the presidential flag bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 general elections but was defeated by former President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressive Congress (APC)
Due to internal conflicts, in 2022 Obi left the PDP and ran as the Labour Party’s candidate in the 2023 presidential election.
When he left to pursue his presidential ambitions with the Labour Party, he finished third behind Atiku in the February 23 presidential election, won by Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress.