Former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has admitted that the ongoing political coalition between the Labour Party and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is facing challenges, particularly over unresolved issues surrounding zoning and the rotation of key political offices.
Obi spoke during a virtual interview with Advocacy for Good Governance on Wednesday, where he underscored the need for unity, clarity, and shared values among coalition members ahead of the 2027 general election.
According to him, although the coalition represents a potentially powerful force capable of reshaping Nigeria’s political landscape, lingering disagreements over power-sharing arrangements and leadership roles have slowed progress.
“I am still a member of the Labour Party and I am fully committed to the coalition with ADC for the 2027 election,” he said. “But commitment alone is not enough we must define clear principles and reach agreement on the fundamentals. Nigerians deserve to know what we collectively stand for and how we intend to govern.”
Obi stressed that the coalition should prioritise the welfare of ordinary citizens, rather than internal political positioning.
He continued:
“We are not a new political class; many of us have been here before. So if we are coming together, we must come with a fresh sense of purpose and a shared blueprint that Nigerians can trust. This coalition must be driven by competence, character, capacity, commitment, and compassion.”
Obi also acknowledged prominent figures within the coalition, including its chairman, Senator David Mark, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar both of whom he praised for their political experience and commitment to national development.
However, he maintained that mutual respect and structured dialogue are necessary to avoid conflicts over roles, candidacy, and regional representation.
“Today, we have what you may call informal or unsigned agreements on zoning, rotation, and the sharing of political offices. Those things cannot remain vague. If we don’t define and formalize them now, they will create confusion later.”
The former Anambra governor made it clear that his political ambition is secondary to the goal of restoring Nigeria’s stability and progress.
“I’m not desperate to be president. What I am desperate for is a Nigeria that works. If the coalition is offering something credible, structured, and honest, then Nigerians will rally behind it.”
Obi further emphasized that meaningful political reform does not require a long preparation timeline, arguing that a focused, disciplined coalition could still be ready even if negotiations conclude shortly before the election.
“If genuine change is what Nigerians want, it can happen whether we finalize this coalition one year or even a few months before the election.”
Political analysts say Obi’s remarks reflect broader tensions within opposition blocs attempting to unite ahead of the 2027 polls. While many Nigerians have expressed support for a strong opposition alliance, disagreements over leadership, ideology, and presidential ticket remain unresolved.
For now, the success of the LP-ADC coalition and its potential role in reshaping Nigeria’s next electoral cycle will depend on how quickly its leaders can settle outstanding structural disputes and present a unified agenda to the public.
