The Labour Party’s (LP) 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has denied any existing merger agreement between his party and other opposition groups. Addressing recent speculation about a potential alliance with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Obi clarified that while discussions may be ongoing, there is “no agreement yet.”

The former Governor of Anambra State emphasized the need for unity among Nigerians across political lines, asserting that only collective efforts can challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which he accused of mismanaging the nation’s resources.

Obi expressed concern over Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation, lamenting the loss of lives caused by banditry, terrorism, and kidnappings. He described the state of national security as unacceptable and criticised the administration’s handling of corruption. According to him, corruption remains rampant, and governance costs have escalated, leading to unsustainable public debt levels.

He also highlighted reckless financial practices by government officials in 2024, citing excessive foreign travels as a major example of wasteful expenditure. Obi’s remarks came as part of his broader critique of the APC-led government’s policies and their impact on Nigerians.

In the 2023 presidential election, Obi garnered 6,101,533 votes, placing third in his first bid for the presidency. The election was won by APC’s Bola Tinubu, who secured 8,794,726 votes, defeating PDP’s Atiku Abubakar, who received 6,984,520 votes. NNPP’s Rabiu Kwankwaso finished fourth with 1,496,687 votes, winning only in Kano State.