Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has dismissed suggestions that recent defections by South-East governors could lead to the region being politically “captured” by any party.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, Obi insisted that Nigeria is a democracy, not a military regime, where voters, not political office holders, ultimately determine electoral outcomes.
“We’re not in a military time when you capture people. In a democracy, leadership is earned through service and persuasion, not by force,” Obi said in a statement issued by his media team.
Obi’s comments come amid the high-profile defection of Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The move is seen by some as part of APC’s broader effort to secure the South-East ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s possible 2027 re-election bid.
“Peter Mbah is a good friend of mine. I believe he made his decision based on his own political judgment,” Obi said.
“But no party can automatically win a state just because it has the governor. The people will ultimately decide.”
Obi urged the government to earn the people’s support through performance and policies, not political maneuvering.
Reacting to the planned protest by activist Omoyele Sowore for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Obi reiterated his long-standing position.
“There was no need for his arrest in the first place. I’ve always advocated dialogue, negotiation, and consultation with agitators,” he said.
“This has been my stand since before 2020. Let’s follow due process for everyone involved, not just Kanu. Dialogue is always better than force.”
Obi also spoke on the appointment of Prof. Samuel Amupitan as the new chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), expressing hope for credible elections in 2027.
“We want a new Nigeria where elections are free, fair, and credible. The people with competence, capacity, compassion, and character must emerge,” he said.
“Amupitan should remember he won’t be in office forever. His reputation will outlast his position.
Obi made these remarks during a visit to LEA Nursery/Primary School in Kapwa, a suburb of Abuja, where he campaigned alongside Dr. Moses Paul, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) chairmanship candidate for Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) in the February 2026 council elections.
He condemned the poor state of the school, which he described as “shocking,” noting that over 200 pupils attend the school without access to toilets or decent furniture.
“Education is the foundation of any nation. Our children deserve better. I’m committed to helping improve the conditions here,” Obi said.
“That’s why I’m also supporting Dr. Moses Paul. He’s going from community to community to understand their needs.”
