Peter Obi | File Image
….salutes the Sowore group on the release Kanu agitation
By Valentine Amanze
No political party can capture any state electorally because a governor defected to another party, says Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) leader and the 2023 Presidential flagbearer.
Obi stated this in Abuja, while reacting to the gale of defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), especially, in the South East Nigeria.
He pointed out that Nigeria is practicing democracy, not military rule, where states are captured.
“The people will decide where to go, not governors or Senators. No party will capture or win any state just because it has a governor,” he said.
On Governor Peter Mbah’s defection and APC’s alleged move to capture the South-East for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election, Obi said, “Peter Mbah is a good friend of mine. And I believe that as governor, he must have taken his decision based on his own political views and calculations.
“As for the alleged plot to capture the South-East, we are not in a military time when you capture people. You are a leader. You tend to do the right things for them to follow you.
“So I don’t think anybody is capturing anywhere. The government needs to do more if it wants the people to support it.”
On the planned protest for the release of Mazi Nnamani Kanu by political activist, Omoyele Sowore, the Anambra State former governo said, “I’ve always been consistent on Nnamdi Kanu’s situation. There was no need for his arrest in the first place.
Also read: Why I’m for Peter Obi, by Dele Farotimi
“And I’ve always said that for me, I will consult, negotiate and discuss with anybody who is agitating. I said it clearly and I remain there.
“I thank those who are actually trying to do or say what we’ve been saying for a long time. Go and check what I’ve said before 2020, 2022 and even 2024. And now that it has gone to court, the rules should be followed. Not just for Nnamdi Kanu, but for all agitators across the nation. Let’s dialogue with them.
“There’s nothing wrong with anybody agitating or saying let’s dialogue with them. And whatever we do with them, let’s follow the rules. So I thank the organisers and those who are involved.”
On the new INEC chair ahead of the 2027 election, Obi said, “Very simple. He’s a Nigerian. We want a new Nigeria where elections will be free, fair and credible and our people who have the competence, capacity, compassion, character and commitment to lead the nation are elected.
“It’s for the good of everybody. None of us is going to be here forever, and none of us is going to be in his position forever. So whatever position we find ourselves in, it’s to do the right thing. So I wish him well.
“When he (Amupitan) is confirmed, I will congratulate him and tell him to know that one day he’s going to leave that post. Let him ensure that he keeps his reputation.”
Obi spoke when he accompanied the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Chairmanship candidate for Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) in the February 2026 FCT Council elections, Dr Moses Paul, on a visit to LEA Nursery/Primary School, Kapwa, a suburb of Abuja.
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