Peter Obi Likely To Leave Labour Party For APC

Daniel Bwala, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, has alleged that Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), may soon switch allegiance to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to Bwala, Obi is unlikely to contest the 2027 presidential election under the LP platform, suggesting that he may follow the path of his close associate, Valentine Ozigbo, who recently defected to the APC.

The statement was made during an interview on TVC’s Breakfast Show on Wednesday, March 12, 2024, where Bwala asserted that several key figures within the LP were already migrating to the APC.

Obi’s Political Future Under Scrutiny

Bwala linked his assertion to Ozigbo’s defection, emphasizing the strong political bond between the two.

“Labour Party is emptying itself, not because we are persuading them but because they are willingly joining us. Valentine Ozigbo has come over. Balami has also joined. Even Peter Obi will eventually align with us. He will not contest under LP in 2027,” Bwala stated.

He further added, “For Ozigbo to take this step, it’s a strong indication that Peter Obi will follow. Ozigbo has always been one of Obi’s closest associates.”

Political Speculations Continue

Just three weeks ago, Ozigbo officially resigned from the Labour Party, citing unresolved internal crises as a major reason for his exit. Following his move to the APC, he hinted at the possibility of Obi joining him in the near future.

While addressing the media, Ozigbo stated, “I have spoken with him [Obi] about various matters, not necessarily about joining APC, but I would welcome him if he chooses to come on board.”

Obi’s Next Move: SDP or APC?

Amid growing uncertainty, there have also been speculations that Peter Obi might consider the Social Democratic Party (SDP) as an alternative platform. Political analysts believe that Obi could be instrumental in forming a coalition against the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.

This speculation intensified after the former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, recently left the APC to join the SDP, fueling assumptions that Obi could take a similar route.

Despite these swirling rumors, Peter Obi has yet to make any official statement about his political future. Meanwhile, the Labour Party has reaffirmed its commitment to zoning its 2027 presidential ticket to the Southeast, further adding to the political intrigue surrounding Obi’s next steps.

Conclusion

With ongoing party realignments, Peter Obi’s political trajectory remains a topic of intense debate. Whether he will join the APC, shift to the SDP, or remain within the Labour Party is yet to be seen. For now, all eyes are on Obi as Nigerians await his official stance on his political future.