The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has moved to quell persistent rumours and circulating statements linking him to a return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or a new coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The denial, which comes amid intense political maneuvering ahead of the 2027 general elections, seeks to clarify his current position and commitment to the Labour Party.

For weeks, speculation has been rife in both traditional and social media about Obi’s political future. The rumours gained traction following the resignation of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar from the PDP, which led to calls from some quarters for Obi to return to his former party. Simultaneously, other reports and commentaries suggested that Obi was a key figure in a new opposition coalition forming under the banner of the ADC.

While a direct, formal press release from Obi’s media office has not been issued to specifically address these latest rumours, a chieftain of the Labour Party, speaking on the matter, confirmed that “Peter Obi is still a member of the Labour Party and has not resigned.” This statement is seen as a clear rebuttal to the claims of him joining a coalition under another party.

Earlier in July, Obi himself had provided a glimpse into his position on such political alliances. During a live session on social media, he declared his intention to run for president again in 2027. He stated his openness to forming “issue-based coalitions” but maintained a firm stance against any alliance that does not genuinely prioritize solving Nigeria’s most pressing problems.

The circulating statements are part of a broader trend of political jostling as opposition parties explore various strategies to form a united front to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). However, Obi’s camp has historically been quick to distance itself from false narratives and misrepresentations, consistently reaffirming his focus on policy-driven governance and the “Obidient” movement’s core principles.

The ongoing speculation highlights the fluidity of Nigeria’s political landscape and the intense interest in the direction of the opposition as the next presidential election cycle draws closer. For now, Obi and his supporters appear to be maintaining their focus on the Labour Party as the primary platform for their political aspirations.