During a press conference in Abuja on Thursday morning, Obi categorically stated that no merger deal had been finalized or even discussed with any political party. His remarks were meant to clarify the rumors surrounding a potential alliance with the PDP or the NNPP.
The former Anambra State governor emphasized the importance of unity among patriotic Nigerians in the political sphere to prepare for the 2027 elections. Obi expressed the need for Nigerians to come together to challenge and defeat the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next elections, accusing the party of mismanaging the nation's resources over the years.
Furthermore, Obi did not hold back his criticism of the current administration, led by President Bola Tinubu and the APC. He pointed out the rising levels of corruption, which have caused the cost of governance to soar. Obi also highlighted the dramatic increase in public debt, which has worsened under the APC-led government. He particularly criticized the government for allegedly squandering public funds through excessive foreign travels by government officials, further worsening the economic situation.
Addressing security challenges in the country, Obi expressed deep concern over the alarming prevalence of banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping-for-ransom, all of which continue to claim the lives of innocent Nigerians. The LP candidate called the situation tragic and reiterated the urgent need for effective measures to combat the ongoing security crisis in Nigeria.
In a related development, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the NNPP’s 2023 presidential candidate, has also spoken out against the rumors regarding a power-sharing agreement involving himself, Peter Obi, and the PDP’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar. Kwankwaso, in an interview with the BBC, expressed his displeasure over the allegations, stating that he had no knowledge of such a power-sharing arrangement. He claimed that the reports were part of a narrative being pushed by Atiku’s camp, who allegedly met with regional leaders and clerics to spread this story. Kwankwaso reaffirmed his contentment with his decision to leave the PDP for the NNPP and distanced himself from any claims of an agreement between him, Obi, and Atiku regarding power-sharing.
