In a political climate where alliances are often forged through power deals and elite bargains, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi is charting a different course — one rooted in principle, not personal ambition. Speaking during a widely followed XSpace session tagged #PeterObiOnParallelFacts, Obi distanced himself from any coalition arrangement that prioritizes ticket-sharing over nation-building.
“If the coalition is about sharing tickets and power for its sake, count me out,” Obi said firmly, drawing a clear line between symbolic mergers and genuine partnerships for national rescue.
With over 10,000 Nigerians tuning in live, Obi made it clear that his interest in any coalition is conditional on substance, not status. He dismissed ongoing speculation about a possible joint ticket with Atiku Abubakar, saying no such talks had taken place and reiterating that Nigeria’s suffering masses — not elite negotiations — should be at the center of any political pact.
“We’ve never even discussed tickets. It’s not about rejection; it’s about Nigeria first.”
Coalitions Must Solve Problems, Not Share Positions
Obi’s comments represent a sharp rebuke of the traditional Nigerian political playbook, where coalitions are often stitched together as vehicles for electoral victory, without clear policy direction.
For Obi, any political arrangement that does not address insecurity, hunger, and industrial collapse is not worth endorsing.
“I want a coalition that stops the killings in Borno, puts food on people’s tables, and gets our industries working.”
He pointedly warned that power-sharing for its own sake risks entrenching the same failures that have plagued Nigeria for decades — a cycle he says must be broken.
Obi’s tone was consistent with his broader political philosophy: Leadership is a service, not a reward. While others jostle for positions, he insists his interest lies in delivering results.
“I don’t want to be president to decorate my CV. I want to show that leadership can be different — and effective.”
In an era where politicians often seek relevance through proximity to power, Obi’s refusal to participate in politics of convenience sets him apart as a man driven more by mission than ambition.